Au Revoir

The genius has left the building. The semi-final clash in the French Open (one could hardly call it a clash) between a very mortal Federer and an almost invincible looking Djokovic was embarrassing for Federer's fans.

Federer looked old in a wrinkled manner, as if his face was in need of some moisturizing. No real Federer fan could kid himself any more that his champion would stage a promising comeback and pose a serious threat to the Nadal-Novak duo. What was disheartening though was the absolute dominance of Djokovic throughout the match without much exertion on his part. Moreover, Djokovic paused at times to applaud Federer’s stray good shot as if not to make the rout seem too rude. It was thoughtful of him.

It’s obvious that between Nadal and Djokovic, Federer likes the former, in a personal way. They have worked in commercials together and supported charities. Nadal’s emergence on the tennis scene coincided with Federer’s high noon. On the whole there was an absence of bad vibes and Federer said he respected Nadal, which was reciprocated by the latter. Of course it’s easy to like someone if one is winning.

With Djokovic it’s a little different. In the early days one could sense that Federer was disdainful of Djokovic. Perhaps, he even disliked him. Djokovic it seemed was in awe of Federer and if he had the audacity to say that he ‘respected’ Federer, it would amount to impertinence. I am psychologising here but perhaps Federer felt threatened that it was Djokovic and not Nadal who could usurp his legacy, just like he did Sampras’. In the Australian Open earlier this year, as Djokovic survived two match points against Federer’s service (which involved a freakish, fluke-ish return) to eventually win the match and then subsequently the championship, Federer was slight-ful and imperious in his post match press conference, almost looking through Djokovic’s efforts in the match. It was perhaps his first intimation that the future of tennis rivalry won’t feature him any more and that Nadal had found a more formidable challenger in Djokovic.   

To be sure, Djokovic in his early days was quite boorish and his conduct unbecoming of a champion. Habituated to the classy Federer, fans of tennis silently shuddered that a Maria Sharapova imitating, chest thumping; swiftly-rushing-up-the-ladder upstart would occupy the throne when Federer vacates it. Nadal would forever remain the bridesmaid, the redoubtable challenger but never the complete claimant.

Such was Federer’s genius that no new-comer could announce his arrival by the dint of talent alone; he had to resort to histrionics and that’s what Djokovic did. And to have such a man replace Federer was something tennis fans did not take easily. For proof look at the fan-following/ hero-worshipping that Federer commands, the come-on chants from the crowd even when he’s losing very badly, like the magician in him could easily turn it around. It was Federer’s conduct while as champion that endeared him to fans.

Djokovic for his part has evolved as the champion. It’s now impossible to overlook his exploits and grudgingly people have come to accept that he’s here to stay for the next 2-3 years. More sure of his standing, he looks much more at ease.

As I write this, the French Open Championship in hanging in the balance with either Nadal or Djokovic capable of winning it. But all my tennis loving friends, all of whom are Nadal fans! seem very worried.