On June 7, 2009, millions of devotees breathed a sigh of relief, for on that very day their God, who was accidentally born a human, was finally consecrated as a greater mortal. Even the Almighty had to reconsider if He had made a mistake by sending a soul named Roger Federer to earth as he belongs in the heavens. On June 7, Federer finally lifted the one trophy that had eluded him for years at a stretch, the one trophy that surely must have haunted him in his dreams- the Coupe des Mousquetaires- the prized men’s title at Roland Garros.

Just when the spectators at court Phillipe Chatrier started wondering if they had witnessed God in action, the masterful Swiss let roll tears of ecstasy and reminded them that he was only human. The 27-year-old World No.2 stamped his supremacy over the kingdom of sports when he laid to rest, in straight sets, the feeble challenge put up by an over-achieving Robin Soderling. This victory not only puts him at par with the legendary Pete Sampras who has 14 majors to his credit, but also provides him entry into an elite club consisting of the choicest legends who have completed the coveted Career Grand Slam, that is to say they have triumphed at each of tennis’ four most prestigious tournaments; and the list reads- Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi and lastly, Roger Federer.

Federer’s taming of the slow clay courts of the French Open erases even the slightest of doubts that he is indeed the greatest player ever. Eyebrows were raised and questions asked when the immensely talented Spaniard, Rafael Nadal stood unflinchingly in the way of Federer’s Career Slam three times in a row. The contradiction is obvious- people say that he is not good enough on clay to lose so often; agreed clay is not his forte but hasn’t he done enough to shut all mouths by reaching three consecutive finals?? To be honest, this win indeed seals the window for all legends, living and dead. Sampras went so far as to say, ‘Regardless if he won there or not, he goes down as the greatest ever. This just confirms it… Now that he’s won in Paris, I think it just more solidifies his place in history as the greatest player that played the game… ’ And what’s more, Sampras seemed confident that he will add many more to his already astounding 14 titles.

Even die-hard fans of Laver or Sampras, who aren’t very satisfied with this latest verdict, concede- in fact willingly agree- that Federer has class written all over him. Forget the ease and elegance with which he wields a tennis racquet; forget the aesthetic, single-handed backhand; forget the over-poweringly beautiful drop shot; just the way he comports himself outside of a match easily makes him the classiest ever. The simple yet elegant dressing, the trademark public-cry, the graceful humility and the most-spirited display of true sportsmanship elevate him a level above all others and makes one wonder if all men are really born equal. He is indeed the master of apposite and evocative visual imagery and the quintessential personification of the dominance of human will over fate. The renowned football manager, Jose Mourinho, once said, ‘Love me or hate me; you just can’t ignore me.’ And these words seem to be tailor-made for this legendary sportsman. Actually, it is not within the realm of possibility to hate him, for such is his class; he doesn’t merely win matches, he wins hearts!!