via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 7, 2021 Switzerland’s Roger Federer wipes his face with a towel during the break in his quarter final match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz REUTERS/Toby Melville
via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 7, 2021 Switzerland’s Roger Federer wipes his face with a towel during the break in his quarter final match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz REUTERS/Toby Melville
The much-awaited quarter-finals of the 2021 Wimbledon Championship ended in heartbreak for many. In an unbelievable turn of events, 20-time Grand slam winner, Roger Federer, was knocked out of the tournament.
A hard-fought battle eventually came to an end as Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz outshined the Swiss legend. Against all odds and efforts for a desperate comeback, Roger fell victim to Hubert’s young energy and lost the game in straight sets, 3-6, 6-7. 0-6.
via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 7, 2021 Switzerland’s Roger Federer waves after losing his quarter final match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz Pool via REUTERS/Edward Whitaker
Roger started the game looking at his usual best, and the decade-long age gap between the two was soon pretty visible. Tired and out of focus, Federer retracted his attack, and this left fans shocked with questions.
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Former Tennis legend, Heinz Gunthardt, says it was Roger’s lack of confidence that resulted in his loss. Unforced errors, gifting away points, and luck that was far from on his side, the fellow Swiss International might just be right.
«He lacks confidence and that affects his footwork. There is no way around big victories. He hasn't beaten anyone yet, which gave him the certainty: I can compete with the best again. He still lacks this confirmation. He needs wins against the likes of Medvedev and Zverev.» (5/8)
— Simon Graf (@SimonGraf1) July 9, 2021
Roger Federer struggled to cope with the pace
As heartbreaking as it may sound, it is only true that pace was a major concern for Roger. While Hubert returned any and every shot possible, Roger was submitting to unforced errors.
As the game progressed, his dominance started diminishing and the Polish youngster took advantage of that. From aces to trick shots, Hubert had everything up to his sleeve; but most importantly, he had the energy Federer didn’t have. The Swiss giant looked beyond exhausted towards the end of the game.
via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 7, 2021 Switzerland’s Roger Federer reacts during his quarter final match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz REUTERS/Toby Melville
Read more: Potential Records Novak Djokovic Can Break at Wimbledon Championships 2021
With everything going against him, the crowd was all he had left, and safe to say, they didn’t disappoint. Center court was an absolute delight, roaring and cheering him on even as he bowed out.
They took to their feet to embrace Federer, making it loud and clear that one defeat does not and will not affect his legacy. Waving out to their applause, a tired Federer left the grass.
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Will Federer retire?
The result of the match rocked the tennis world. Anxious fans couldn’t believe what they witnessed, wondering if this was it for their legend. Federer’s body language gave out a message not everyone was ready to accept.
Watch this story:?Wimbledon Championship 2021 Best Shots Week One: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios, Gael Monfils, Katie Boulter, Ons Jabeur?
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The future for Federer now is uncertain, but his legacy isn’t. His history is proof of what he can do and more so, how well he does.
As eager fans struggle with their anxiety, Roger is sure to make it easy for them; hopefully, answering their questions winning a title in vintage Roger style.
