In 2011, there have been many questions asked about whether Federer is on a downhill slide, whether he has it in him to win another slam? I won’t be answering those questions in this particular blog post. This post is to cherish the greatness Roger Federer has brought to this wonderful game that we all enjoy.

2001 was the first time I saw Federer in action, and it was against the legendary Pete Sampras. Here I saw a kid, who was able to match Sampras stroke by stroke with so much variety, and elegance, that I asked myself this question ‘is he the future of tennis?’ Many talented players during that time did not live up to their expectations. So would Federer fall in that same category? Wait and watch was my approach then.

In 2002, Federer had many mediocre results and I started thinking that probably I was wrong and this talented youngster didn’t have it in him to go to the next level. Now, not only did Federer go to the next level, he created a whole new level that is a benchmark the future generations will strive to achieve.

For specifics, let’s start with 2003 Wimbledon: it was the semi-final day and Federer had a match with Andy Roddick. Roddick entered the match as the favorite to win, however, once the match started, Federer had some different plans. He was in god mode and produced one of the highest levels of tennis seen in recent times, then. Whether it was the low short slice or deep slice, whether it was those mesmerizing forehands or wicked backhand flicks; this man had it all. The rest, as we all know, is history; the talented enigma went on to become, arguably, the greatest player of all time.

Now coming back to 2011, I think as Federer fans it is important that we enjoy what Federer has done for tennis for so many years. Rather than focusing on the negative aspects (which is still great results, btw), we should look back at all the great things Federer has done throughout his career. Whether Federer wins another slam, or multiple slams, is something I don’t know; but what I do know is that the variety he brings to tennis, is not something every player is capable of doing.

Enjoy these players while you can, because there will be a time when we look back and say, there was a genius named Roger Federer, and I was lucky enough to watch tennis during his era.