Federer's near-perfect ending/Going out on top

[RaulRamirez]

I'm also lost on the pro wrestling examples. I don't follow it, and I'm not saying that their bodies don't get abused and that they're not (many of them) good athletes, but come on, man...

If Roger would have won Wimb'19, would he have walked away then, or sooner, or felt encouraged to stay on longer? It's hard to know, just as it's hard -- in real life -- to script that great Hollywood-like ending. It's not our call as fans.

A few things: Beating Rafa and Novak back-to-back would have been huge, but I don't think it would have been a knockout punch on the mythical GOAT debate. A great achievement? Certainly.

As absurdly wealthy and popular as Fed is - and he also has, by all accounts, a wonderful family --its hard to retire from a routine, a status and a near-obsession after so many years. It's hard to time it just right (and that's often from a fan or media perspective) and how do you walk away when you're insanely competitive, still great and have always had tremendous self-belief? Not easy to do.

I don't get how people dwell on "bagels". Yes, it would be unfitting for Roger's last set (hopefully, it won't be) at W to be on the losing end of a bagel versus HH, but who will remember that when his legacy obviously dwarfs that one set.

 

[TearTheRoofOff]

Nonsense. It's always sad to see an all-time Top Ten player humbled like that. No one wants to see it. Even I was praying he'd win a game!

Ha ha.... Ha. Brilliant. Next.

 

[weakera]

I described it as a watershed moment at the time and honestly I think I was underselling its significance. That moment lost the GOAT race for Federer. It's a tragedy and he deserved to win.

 

[MichaelNadal]

He did have some epic matches at AO 20, before running into Freshovic

 

[Spencer Gore]

I described it as a watershed moment at the time and honestly I think I was underselling its significance. That moment lost the GOAT race for Federer. It's a tragedy and he deserved to win.

He used up all his luck in the weak era.

 

[weakera]

He used up all his luck in the weak era.

He missed his first serve up the T when a fan called out "come on, Roger!" on one of those championship points. Worst fan who ever lived.

 

[Raul_SJ]

I don't get how people dwell on "bagels". Yes, it would be unfitting for Roger's last set (hopefully, it won't be) at W to be on the losing end of a bagel versus HH, but who will remember that when his legacy obviously dwarfs that one set.

Let's get it straight. Hurkacz is a fine player. May very well win Wimbledon one day. There is absolutely no disgrace if your final match is losing 0-6 to Hurkacz.

What is the alternative? Coming back from a third surgery to do a farewell tour which will consist of continually losing in the first rounds to some nobody?

We are all supposed to pretend that is somehow a more fitting end? No. That is delusional.

It is perfectly fine to end it now. Abandon the ego trip.

 

[DIMI_D]

Just was thinking, after this news of surgery, that it looks like 2019 Wimbledon really was it. Things change fast in tennis so it was always a possibility, but I wouldn't have expected him to have such bad luck from then on, as he was playing so well. To me it wouldn't have mattered what the slam count ended up, if he had won that 1 more point, and beat Nadal and Djokovic back to back, he'd have been the GOAT for life, it would have been astonishing for him to pull that off. I know he says he doesn't think about that match, but he will probably peep those highlights every so often and ponder what he could have done differently......
Anyway he had a ridiculously good career, and it's nothing to be sad over or really spend TOO much time thinking about it, it just would have been a perfect way to close his career with wins over his 2 biggest rivals at an advanced age, on the big stage. I just hope at this point he gets to go out on his own terms and have a couple more epic matches and at least win some kind of title. He will always have the highest level I've ever seen personally, and I wish him the best. Shawn Michaels got to go out on top, with one of the best matches of all time, at age 44, in front of 72,000 people, in an insane performance The story was perfect, the Undertaker's undefeated streak vs Shawn Michaels career. Something had to give sometimes it's not about winning or losing, but going out one last time and doing what you did, one more time, as good as you ever did it. (I recommend those unfamiliar to at least watch the Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker promo video for Wrestlemania 26 I post here, as it's one of the most epic stories in Wrestling history, and if compels you to, the match) I hope Nadal can have this type of ending, but father time is cruel and doesn't seem to care much for epic happy endings........

One of the GOATs legendary career even if at times I have been anti Fed due to my own feelings of him being fake and not genuine. That aside he is a great role model for kids everywhere and has a beautiful game. Shame to go out like this. 2019 looks like the final slam final. I do see him playing next yr maybe start at IW-Miami sunshine double then do FO lead up, RG then Halle- Wim, then obviously Cincinnati US, Laver cup end in Basel. Be nice for him to go out with the crowd. I know he said he would do exhos, which I expect him to be quite active in for a very long time and consistently at Laver cup but tennis will surely not be the same without him.

 

[Karma Tennis]

Federer has always said that he would continue to play while he could play in stadiums packed full of fans / spectators.

On that basis, he could probabaly play until he is 60 because all of his adoring fans would watch him regardless of the result ...

... Or WOULD they ? LOL!

 

[DIMI_D]

Rafa looks like he’s close to the end as well next FO will be crucial to him continuing on possibly, if he doesn’t go deep could be curtains as well. Treasure these last few yrs with these legends of the sport

 

[Karma Tennis]

I would suggest that if Rafa did decide to finish up in the next 12 months, then perhaps he and his mate Roger should get together and schedule a Global Farewell Tour of Exhibition Matches in 2023.

 

[DIMI_D]

Most days I'm totally over what happened in 2019. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't have the exact same thought each time Fed's announced a surgery/break from the game. Logically I already knew that 40-15 would likely go down as his last shot, but it's still a tough pill to have to swallow again for real this time.

Even in summer 2019 I knew that was most likely his last shot. But I still got excited about his chances at the USO anyway, and again in Australia the next year. But now there's no more pipe dream to latch on to. The pipe dream is now seeing him play majors at all again.

I really highly doubt he will play AO again which is a shame so loved everywhere he goes obviously but would of been nice to have farewell at each slam next yr

 

[Karma Tennis]

I really highly doubt he will play AO again which is a shame so loved everywhere he goes obviously but would of been nice to have farewell at each slam next yr

Don't worry. His biggest fan, the CEO of Tennis Australia, will convince him to announce he IS playing the AO next year by paying him a huge appearance fee. Tennis Australia will then promote the event as Federer's final appearance at the Australian Open. Tens of thousands of people will buy tickets on that basis. Federer will then announce he is withdrawing from the Tournament in December sometime. He will keep his appearence fee. Mirka will be happy not to have to travel to Australia. And all the people who bought tickets to the event will attend the AO disappoineted.

Assumes that Victoria isn't still shutdown in January and the AO goes ahead with spectators.

 

[MichaelNadal]

I would suggest that if Rafa did decide to finish up in the next 12 months, then perhaps he and his mate Roger should get together and schedule a Global Farewell Tour of Exhibition Matches in 2023.

I'd pay

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Pure scripted wrestling.

 

[SonnyT]

Can you think of another 40 year old world-class athlete who has major surgery, and refuses to retire?

 

[Spencer Gore]

He missed his first serve up the T when a fan called out "come on, Roger!" on one of those championship points. Worst fan who ever lived.

I hadn't noticed that before. I'm not sure it affected his serve but, if it did, wouldn't it be sweet karmic justice for all the times Fed fans tried to put off his opponents when THEY were serving?

 

[Spencer Gore]

Can you think of another 40 year old world-class athlete who has major surgery, and refuses to retire?

Giant Haystacks?

 

[MichaelNadal]

Can you think of another 40 year old world-class athlete who has major surgery, and refuses to retire?

Sid

 

[Red Rick]

I think the real pipe dream is having the more toxic Djokovic fans stop bringing up 40-15 in every argument

Don't make me pick up their slack.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Obama be like

Im mad at RDJ being oddly hot here

 

[Spencer Gore]

Forget all that fake American stuff. This is the greatest moment in sports history!

Never known such tension in a sporting arena. How Big Daddy, the greatest athlete of his generation, contrived to lose this match I'll never understand.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Forget all that fake American stuff. This is the greatest moment in sports history!

Never known such tension in a sporting arena. How Big Daddy, the greatest athlete of his generation, contrived to lose this match I'll never understand.

Whatcha know about peak Vince McMahon?

Peak WWE too

 

[NoleIsBoat]

Most days I'm totally over what happened in 2019. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't have the exact same thought each time Fed's announced a surgery/break from the game. Logically I already knew that 40-15 would likely go down as his last shot, but it's still a tough pill to have to swallow again for real this time.

Even in summer 2019 I knew that was most likely his last shot. But I still got excited about his chances at the USO anyway, and again in Australia the next year. But now there's no more pipe dream to latch on to. The pipe dream is now seeing him play majors at all again.

It sucks for fed he got injured . I think he could win uso 2019

Sad for the great champ to have his legacy defined by 40-15! I think it haunts his dreams every night.

 

[mike danny]

I think Roger was lucky and unlucky to be the oldest of the big 3. He got a head start on the other two and was chasing "only" 14 slams. And outside of clay he didn't have another atg to threaten him at slams for a good chunk of his reign. An advantage Novak now enjoys. At the same time, Roger had the misfortune of two atg's nipping at his heels which meant he had to keep pushing himself and play longer than he probably ever imagined. So now instead of retiring in his early 30's and possibly going out on top like Pete, it's possible he will have been bagelled in the last set he ever played on his best surface. It's cruel, and I hope he can get out on the court on more time, but when you look at how most athletes go out, it's very rarely on top

Novak has been enjoying that since 2014, not just now.

 

[Sephiroth]

2019 Wimbledon gains more significance as time goes on that was the last time Federer was a contender in a slam, looking back at the moments even after 40-15 some things just weren't meant to be for him in that match.

Who remembers that point at 11-11 when it was AD Federer? Djokovic hit an awful BH approach, followed by a passive FH shot from Fed where he had all the court to aim at, to a horrible fluked volley from Djokovic, then a horrible smash by Djokovic that he nearly messed it up to the point even he laughed after

that point right there summed up the match

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Forget all that fake American stuff. This is the greatest moment in sports history!

Never known such tension in a sporting arena. How Big Daddy, the greatest athlete of his generation, contrived to lose this match I'll never understand.

The good ol days.

Kendo Nagasaki, the most English looking Japanese man I've ever seen.

 

[Sephiroth]

I also think 2021 RG is gonna prove pivotal for Nadal's GS race too depending on what he does at RG 2022

@MichaelNadal

literally a point here or there has decided things, crazy, imagine if Rafa takes the 3rd set he would've rolled Djokovic over and Djokovic would've lost motivation

so what I'm saying is

 

[Karma Tennis]

I also think 2021 RG is gonna prove pivotal for Nadal's GS race too depending on what he does at RG 2022

Nadal is going to need a lot of good luck to win any more Majors, Roland Garros included.

In the past, he had most of the control over whether he won RG or not. But not anymore. He is going to have to rely on others doing the right thing at the right time. Not really a good situation for a tennis player, even at the best of times.

It is probably very appropriate that Roger and Rafa finish up on the same number of Major Titles and both holding the records at their respective favoured Major Tournaments.

 

[Sephiroth]

Nadal is going to need a lot of good luck to win any more Majors, Roland Garros included.

In the past, he had most of the control over whether he won RG or not. But not anymore. He is going to have to rely on others doing the right thing at the right time. Not really a good situation for a tennis player, even at the best of times.

It is probably very appropriate that Roger and Rafa finish up on the same number of Major Titles and both holding the records at their respective favoured Major Tournaments.

Yes unfortunately he also looks finished

I mention RG 2022 because it's still RG + Rafa

 

[Karma Tennis]

Yes unfortunately he also looks finished

I haven't written him off for RG 2022 if he is healthy.

An interesting indicator of his intentions will be what he does about AO 2022. If he decides to pass on that one it will be obvious that he is going to totally focus on Red Clay for the rest of his career.
However, it would be a huge decision for him to pass on AO 2022 because it would be his last best chance to achieve the Dual Career GRAND SLAM and match Novak. What he does will reveal a lot about how he plans to approach the 2022 season. My guess is that he will play the AO 2022 if he is fresh and fit.

 

[gjm127]

Before the Wimbledon 2019, there was a video in social media. Roger Federer was asked some questions and he was answering them. Towards the end, they reach towards the Wimbledon trophy and Roger Federer says so near yet so far. How prophetic that video turned out to be! It was literally as you said somewhere, just one swing of the racquet away and that remained so far.. That video was kind of foreshadowing..

I remember that video, it was the Vogue 50 questions as Roger was walking around the Wimbledon Instalments. Pure foreshadowing is freaky.

 

[Third Serve]

Raul, you're in every Federer thread and sadly have nothing really good to say.

That’s not really exclusive to Federer threads.

 

[The Fedfather]

Wimbledon 2019 would've been a dream achievement, but I don't think Federer would've retired after that.
This 'could've been' is so talked up here, two years later still a hot topic. It was something really great that slipped away, but for Federer, with his career it was a tough loss that you overcome and move forward - that's the champion approach, that's what ge did. Dwelling on it endlessly including how this could be the perfect moment to go out on top or how the GOAT debate would've been put to rest, it's only good for Federer detractors. Not a dig at the OP/thread, I know the thread has good intentions only behind it. But really, this loss was weaponized against Federer and Federer fans to a ridiculous extent. Partially by loyal Federer supporters as well.

As was pointed out, the most important thing is that Federer finishes on his own terms, healthy and happy, and it's obvious that now his happiness isn't rooted in tennis wins.

 

[Spencer Gore]

The reality is a 37 year old taking the greatest player of the 21st century right to the wire is a fantastic achievement. It speaks volumes for Federer's innate ability. Novak obviously had an off day but that doesn't really detract from what Federer achieved. He really surprised me that day with the level he was able to maintain over 5 hours. If that is to be his last slam final it was a proud way to go.

 

[The Blond Blur]

If he had converted on 40-15 won win Wimby in 2019 it would have been the perfect ending. The only problem is that it wouldn’t be the ending. Had Ol’ Rog been able to pull off the upset in beating Joker (after beating RAFA the round before) then he would think that he could do it again. He would have played more like he’s doing now and still be going through all these knee surgeries and lengthy rehabs. Now that might not be the case if he wasn’t carried by the Rona ranking system for so long. Once the rankings go back to normal his rank is going to sink like a stone which will push him closer to retirement. I honestly think he hangs up the racquet at the end of next year in Basel. He couldn’t do that this year since it was canceled again.

 

[Blahovic]

If Federer didn't push himself to this point, he wouldn't have accomplished nearly as much as he ultimately did in his 30s.

 

[BayAreaBooster]

The reality is a 36 year old taking the greatest player of the 21st century right to the wire is a fantastic achievement. It speaks volumes for Federer's innate ability. Novak obviously had an off day but that doesn't really detract from what Federer achieved. He really surprised me that day with the level he was able to maintain over 5 hours. If that is to be his last slam final it was a proud way to go.

38 year old player.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

I described it as a watershed moment at the time and honestly I think I was underselling its significance. That moment lost the GOAT race for Federer. It's a tragedy and he deserved to win.

 

[Sephiroth]

I haven't written him off for RG 2022 if he is healthy.

An interesting indicator of his intentions will be what he does about AO 2022. If he decides to pass on that one it will be obvious that he is going to totally focus on Red Clay for the rest of his career.
However, it would be a huge decision for him to pass on AO 2022 because it would be his last best chance to achieve the Dual Career GRAND SLAM and match Novak. What he does will reveal a lot about how he plans to approach the 2022 season. My guess is that he will play the AO 2022 if he is fresh and fit.

He'll play AO but zero chance he's gonna win, he's finished on HC lol I don't think he gives a sh1t about DCGS at this point. Forget Djokovic, Next Gen will carve him up on HCs and that's the reality

RG is the last checkpoint left where he can get bonuses for his age

 

[zvelf]

What a privilege it was for me to watch Shawn Michaels final match live and in person. I can always say I was there when he finally brought the curtain down on what was the greatest in ring career from a performance perspective ever seen in pro wrestling.

That's you at 30:14 of that video, isn't it?

 

[AntonZweck]

237 consecutive weeks at the top!

Thanks for the memories!

Enjoy your family, friends and fortune!

 

[Alfred Chicken]

If life was like pro-wrestling or a He-Man cartoon, Federer would play one final Wimbledon, get to the final against Djokovic, be match-point down, 15-40 on Novak's serve, save both match points, come back to win in five sets, climb up to the players box and body slam Djokovic's mother onto a conveniently placed table!

Unfortunately, real life is like real life. Federer's probable final Wimbledon has seen him thrashed 6-0 by a run-of-the-mill player in his final ever set on centre court.

He used up all his luck in the weak era.

Yeah, I vividly remember those days; back when so-called "run-of-the mill-players" weren't able to win one of the two most-important, non-major (hardcourt) tournaments out of the blue...

 

[Deleted member 783101]

This was definitely a time where Fed was Shang Tsung, look at soulless Andy

you reap what you sow

 

[sureshs]

it's obvious that now his happiness isn't rooted in tennis wins.

Why is it obvious?

 

[brinkeguthrie]

No doubt GOAT is done. I can see him out til next June; then doing a farewell at Wimble and the USO---then finito, with 30 mill per year from The Qlo rolling in for another 7 years.

 

[The Fedfather]

Why is it obvious?

Because he's been all smiles and full of cheer even though his last title win was almost two years ago.

 

[MichaelNadal]

No doubt GOAT is done. I can see him out til next June; then doing a farewell at Wimble and the USO---then finito, with 30 mill per year from The Qlo rolling in for another 7 years.

It really won't be right if he doesnt at least play 2 more slams, hopefully having a deep run in one of them.

 

[sureshs]

Because he's been all smiles and full of cheer even though his last title win was almost two years ago.

That is for show.

 

[Sampras-Bruguera 1993]

40-15 really determined whether or not he was going to be considered the greatest. He could have retired the year after taking down Nadal/Djokovic back to back for his final slam. It would have been a perfect storybook ending to his career. Its one of those matches you will truly NEVER be able to get out of your craw if you're Fed.

When you look back at most of Fed's career I look at as dozens and dozens of examples of "How the F did he lose this match? He had 20 slams but he should have had 30. He had tons of masters but he should have had double that. He blew so many damn matches that were on his racket most of the times and it made no sense