Three years ago, when Roger Federer became a proud father of twin daughters, he made a promise to himself. He vowed to keep playing at the highest level until his girls were old enough to understand and appreciate what he did for a living.
On Sunday as Myla Rose and Charlene Riva watched their dad beat Britain’s Andy Murray in the Wimbledon final, Federer was a much relieved man. His two-year-old daughters were in the stands cheering him, and even though it is impossible for them at this age to understand the scope of their father’s achievements, he was happy to give them part of the credit for his success.
Federer was winning a Grand Slam title after two years – a lean spell by his exalted standards. With Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic stealing the spotlight in that period, tennis pundits had written off the Swiss maestro as a spent force. On Sunday, he hit back with such poise and flair that many are predicting more Grand Slam titles for him.
Federer said he has been driven on by wanting to see his twin girls get the chance to witness their father in action in his pomp, not his decline.
“People forget sometimes I do have twin girls. That has had a massive impact on my life. It’s helped my game more than anything because I think I’m playing some of the best tennis of my life right now,” said Federer.
“The victory is a dream come true today for me and my family and seeing them there. Yeah, it’s big.”
Federer is five years older than Murray and Djokovic and four years older to Nadal, but the Swiss ace stands out when it comes to dedication. Nadal and Djokovic, though physically much fitter, can be temperamental and easily distracted from their cause, but Federer has the calmness and a serenity of a yogic master that is very evident and not easily broken as he tackles the toughest of situations on a tennis court.
On Sunday, with the whole of the UK wanting Murray to become the first Briton in 76 years to win tennis’ greatest prize, Federer displayed precisely those qualities to come back from a set down to win his 17th major.
“I feel I have a great game. I’m so happy I’m at the age I am right now, because I had such a great run and I know there’s still more possible.”
Djokovic and Nadal better watch out.