Tennis – Federer invents the “Rodgi-Graben”

So there, he messes us up. What to think of Roger Federer’s package at Roland Garros? Everything, obviously. And its opposite too. There are those who idolize and believe no matter what that His Holiness is always right, therefore never wrong. There are those who castigate, because frankly, it is not very classy to leave everyone in the air like that. And there are those who are in trouble, divided, torn between eternal gratitude and immediate disillusion. When the great lord s‘in vain by the small door, without saying goodbye or almost, some come out of their hinges. And the others de facto absolve the one we nickname «the master» for three years.

The only truth that holds is that everyone has their own. It is wise to remember that no one lives in the right knee of the Balois. Neither in his head, nor in his belly. The champion is almost 40 years old, he has given so much to tennis and to all those who love the game that he deserves a form of immunity at a time when his final reverence approaches. But on the other hand, can we allow ourselves everything under the pretext that our name is Roger Federer? Yes No Maybe. The Sun King has long excelled in the art of getting everyone to agree, on and off the court. And there, in an eclipse, he makes us a «Rodgi Trench» of all the devils.

The man has mastered his body and his career like few athletes before him. Tip top, chrome nickel. By dint of respecting the history of his sport, he wrote it, sublimated it, over the years releasing the idea of ​​an immaculate perfection. And there, suddenly, a stain of mockery on the lapel of the tuxedo. Throwing in the towel a few hours after raising his arms, Federer disappointed. He somehow missed d‘respect to one of the four major tournaments, those which served as a melting pot for his legend.

«Yeah, but if he had played to please you and walked off the court with a bowler instead of his knee, you would have looked smart», say the «for» to the «against». «Could he not have dealt with the idea of ​​taking three sets in sight on Monday, without forcing Matteo Berrettini, and leaving with dignity?», retort «against» to the «for». All opinions are valid.

Roger Federer took in Paris what he had come to seek there: playing time (7:43 in three acts), the taste of victory and a slew of lessons, including on his knee. Then he pulled the plug to better project himself towards his campaign on grass, from June 14 in Halle, then two weeks later at Wimbledon. Was it a bit selfish on his part? Probably yes. But isn’t selfishness one of the essential characteristics of a champion? Can we allow ourselves to think (too much) of others when pursuing such a flamboyant destiny? Not sure. One thing is certain, however: if the Balois succeeds his bet as he has so often been used to, the «Rodgi Trench» will shatter. And adulation will resume its full rights.