What’s Roger Federer’s big secret? As the two gladiators fought over four hours and 77 games, to me he looked assailable at every turn. The last game saw him finally conquer Roddick, Wimbledon and his 15th Grand Slam.
There is very little left for him to achieve, but his elation at winning gives away his raw hunger for more. So what motivates him to keep playing those sublime passing shots? What makes him get up from the bed and practice his trademark spinning slices? Even if he never wins again, he will be hailed as the ‘Greatest’. But I am sure he will.
Because winning is in his DNA. Motivation in him is self generated - remember, he doesn't have a coach. But is that alone that gives him the motivational shove…many play on just for the sake of playing…some play on to keep anonymity at bay…and some just do it for the money. I don’t think Roger Federer needs all that. Perhaps Roger himself has the answer –
“It’s a test, and that’s why I like to go over these records.”
For him it’s all a challenge. To go over the next hurdle that presents itself (Sometimes it’s called Rafael Nadal).
For him, all the achievements are like an albatross around his neck too. Because come a Grand slam…cometh the expectations.
"It's important to face it, not say, 'Oooh, I don't want to hear about it.' Because it's there. It's reality. And I always say, 'You've got to be able to handle it."
The word CHALLENGE should be in our own lexicon too. We lesser mortals usually balk when a hurdle falls slam bang in front of us. Why don’t we say – Hey, it’s just a test. I am gonna face it and I am gonna pass it.
The words somehow can conjure up motivation. With motivation, courage is not far behind.
Like Federer who knows that defeating Rafael Nadal in a Grand Slam final is the toughest challenge. But in all the interviews I have seen and read I have always seen him keen for the contest. He might not sleep well the night before, but be sure when he exits the locker he is ready and willing.
Sports are a reflection of life after all.
