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Chas Post

ATP: Simply The Greatest


Roger Federer's victory at the 2017 Wimbledon Championship, over No. 7 Marin Cilic (6-3, 6-1, 6-4), was nothing short of history. It's his 19th Grand Slam title, and his eighth Wimbledon crown. Both of which, no other man has ever accomplished. It's no longer a debate between Federer, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, Roy Emerson, and Novak Djokovic. We all know who the greatest of all-time is. It's simple. Federer has proven over and over again, even at 35-years-old that he is the best tennis player the world has ever witnessed. No one has sustained the level of excellence he has produced, over such a long period of time. He won his first Wimbledon trophy in 2003, and 14 years later, his backhand is just as smooth and his forehand is just as pure.


It's enchanting to watch him float on the baseline of the grass courts, where he is most comfortable, wearing all white, working his opponent into the ground. In 2017, he went all seven matches, without even dropping a set, defeating No. 6 Milos Raonic, No. 15 Tomas Berdych, and others along the way. And in the championship match, against one of the games' top servers, Federer made it look easy, stealing Cilic's shot at a second major title, who I might add, gave his very best effort. After slipping and falling in the first set, Cilic was hobbled for much of the match, but continued to fight his hardest. Unfortunately for him, Federer was just too incredible. Something we've become accustomed to.


It was apparent from early in the opening set that the Swiss wasn't going to lose this match. He had a look in his eye - He had a gentleness to his swing - He had an aggressive serve. Federer, and everyone in attendance, and everyone watching on television, knew it was only a matter of time before he was holding up the golden trophy. With the victory, Federer joined No. 14 Gabrine Muguruza, the ladies' champion, as 2017 Wimbledon singles winners. She defeated No. 10 Venus Williams (6-3, 6-0) early Saturday morning, in a Federer-esque performance. Federer's showing, going 7-0, without even being challenged, only furthers the notion that he is the greatest to ever do it.


Most already recognized him as the best ever, and if this doesn't solidify it, I'm not sure what will. There are certainly other greats that have a case, like Rafael Nadal and Pete Sampras (and possibly Novak Djokovic someday), but they can't compare to Federer right now. "A champion is always a champion," the great Sampras admitted. "He has been doing it for years. He never gets tired of playing, traveling, and enjoying." He's captured the most major championships, and now, he's jumped Sampras in singles Wimbledon titles, sealing his destiny, in front of his wife and four children, as well as thousands of beloved fans and supporters. Federer is simply the greatest. No debate is necessary.


Photo Credit: Sporting News.

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