@Shaolin definitely a legendary prediction from a decade ago.
In 2007, I had Fed winning 18 slams. I was following a very linear path of prediction where Fed would win 3,2,0,1 slams in the next 4 years and possibly retire by 2012.
How wrong I was! It is just unbelievable what happened since then.
- The spark was lit by Nadal when Fed lost the legendary 2008W and 2009AO finals. Somehow, even in those dark days (2008-2010), Fed still managed to win 4 slams.
- In 2011 and 2012, it was painfully obvious Fed was the 3rd best player and Murray could even push him from that spot. Somehow, Fed still managed to win 1 slam and return to number 1.
- In 2013, Fed looked all but finished.
- In 2014 and 2015, Fed returned to being the second best player on the tour. He was so lose to winning slams again...thwarted 3 times by the ultron!
- In 2016 again, Fed looked all but finished.
- Then, 2017 and 2018 happened. And here we are.
It has been a roller coaster ride. There is no pattern of a gradual drop and bowing out one last time perhaps on a high (much like Sampras). Nope...that wasn't the way it was to be with Federer. It is just unbelievable, and a testament to his utter love and devotion for this game. To have outlasted a prime Nadal (it will happen, perhaps as early as this year), a prime Murray and the prime ultron and have returned at the top of the world with 20 titles...this simple takes the cake. Straight up Hollywood material.