Wimbledon Championships, 2012: The Return of the King

An image that will forever be remembered

Most critics have written off Roger Federer since circa 2010. They considered the then 28 year-old "washed up" and too old in tennis years. They also noted that Nadal was a much better player than him, and that the rest of the tennis world had caught up to his tennis play. 2011 only strengthened their case, as Federer didn't win a major for the first time in about 8 years. He was the current #3 player in the world, and supposedly his fall down the ranking was imminent.

Others had hope. They felt that with Roger's new coach, Paul Annacone, and with his newfound hunger (not having won a major since early 2010 really motivated him), it was only a matter of time before he reasserted himself among the true elite in the men's game. This meant he would have to prove to all the doubters that he could 1) win major championship again AND 2) regain the number 1 ranking. Both were obviously tough tasks, but Roger contained the belief and confidence to get the job done.

He started off Wimbledon this year by openly saying he'd like to win the tournament and get back to No. 1. A pretty bold statement, but for Roger, it was doable. His first two matches were as easy and swift as they come for him. Then, things got interesting.

Longtime rival Rafa Nadal was shocked by 100th ranked Lukas Rosol, and the tennis world was flipped upside down. He may never admit it, but Roger probably had that in the back of his mind as he faced Julian Benneteau the day after that huge upset. He lost the first two sets and was soon on his way to a 3rd round exit, until things turned around in classic Federer-like fashion. Roger soon found his form, and won the next 3 sets to escape disappointment.

After a mild back scare against Xavier Malisse, he was soon awaiting a semi-final showdown with top seed Novak Djokovic. This was where Federer's truest test was, because if he could get past Nole, he could get past anyone. And surely enough, he dispatched Djokovic in 4 sets to reach a record 8th Wimbledon final against the British hero Andy Murray. Murray was fighting for UK history and lore, while Federer was trying to prove that he still belonged.

Unlike their previous 2 finals, Murray got off to the fast start, winning the first set, 6-4, and broke Roger's serve twice. Federer soon found his footing in this gigantic final, however, as he started to loosen up and look like the dude who dominated tennis for the last decade or so. He took the second set with a clutch break of Murray's serve, and continued his momentum even through a rain delay that took up an hour. His serve wasn't broken for the rest of the match, and looked pretty much unbeatable. Murray played superbly, yet Roger was just too much for him on this day.

On Roger's second championship point, a Murray forehand that was sent long sent Federer into the ground and into tears, as his dream was fulfilled once again. Gone are the doubters who said he'll never win again. Gone are the critics saying he'll never be #1 again and is closer to his retirement than his prime. Gone are the naysayers of him being the GOAT (Greatest of all time). The case is now closed. With this win, Roger Federer continues to show us why he's the greatest, and why he still has the hunger to come back for more.

Congratulations, Mr. Federer.