At about this time last year, the Centre Court crowd held its breath for a few seconds as Roger Federer lay face down after unusually tumbling to the grass during the fifth set of a semi-final defeat by Milos Raonic. Some of those in attendance that day understandably doubted his physical capabilities to return 12 months later and win a record eighth Wimbledon championship.
Writing off Federer, though, often comes back to haunt you. The man once described as a “blessed freak of nature” by his arch-rival, Rafael Nadal, has performed one of his greatest feats in winning a 19th grand slam title at just three weeks short of his 36th birthday.
Fourteen years after lifting the men’s singles trophy for the first time, still Federer glides around the grass of the All England Club in that effortless way we have become so accustomed to witnessing. To do so consistently over the course of seven matches in a fortnight at his age almost beggars belief.
It all stems from the most sensible decision he has made during his career. As he picked himself up from the court after that fall last year, Federer knew something was not right. He had undergone surgery for the first time ever in February 2016 to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, but had not given himself enough time off for rehabilitation. Not long after departing Wimbledon, he made the tough choice to skip the rest of the season, missing the Rio Olympics - and another shot at an elusive singles gold medal - as a result.
Even then, Federer struggled to resist the urge to pick up his racket again. Despite not planning to return until the start of 2017, he tested himself by hitting some balls on the practice court just days before the US Open in late August. There was an immediate reaction, however, from his knee and he quickly put the racket away again, realising that it was too soon.
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Federer could not sit still, though, and went hiking in the Swiss Alps. The fresh air of the mountains proved a revitalising experience, as his rivals battled it out for the final grand slam of the year in New York.
“Federer’s gym regimes may not be as heavy as other players, but he certainly puts in the work required. It is why he has endured
It was not until early November that Federer and his racket reunited. In the humble surroundings of a public indoor tennis centre near to his mountain chalet home, he booked a court - just as you would do at your local tennis courts - and lightly practised.
Dubai was where the real groundwork was laid for his return to the tour. One of Federer’s most trusted sidekicks is Pierre Paganini, his fitness trainer since 2000. Together with his coaches, Ivan Ljubicic and Severin Luthi, a pre-season programme was formed with the specific goal of helping prepare Federer to win seven best-of-five-set matches over the course of a fortnight.
On the hard courts of the Middle East, Federer embarked on an intensive training block. His practice partner, Lucas Pouille, the French world No 16, immediately saw what Federer was planning for his comeback in terms of his game style: aggressive and short plays at a quick pace. Practice sets were taking no time at all, Federer often coming out on top.
When speaking to those who have practised with Federer through the years, a common observation is how effortless and laid back he appears. Yet, those close to the Federer camp insist that, although this is how it may look, he is an extremely hard worker. His gym regimes may not be as heavy as other players, but he certainly puts in the work required.
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It is why Federer has been able to endure through the years, and watch so many of his peers eventually succumb to physical decline. Paganini has been a mastermind at helping him achieve the correct balance between tennis and fitness, as shown by the remarkable fact that Federer has never once retired during one of his 1,358 career matches.
Federer may have returned in a blaze of glory at the Australian Open by winning his 18th grand slam title, but this was an unexpected outcome even for the man himself. Returning as the world No 16, he had initially hoped to slowly work his way back to a high level to contend for the biggest titles as the year progressed.
As well as Federer played in Melbourne, there were some worrying moments physically. He required lengthy medical treatment on his leg before the deciding set of his semi-final against Wawrinka and again looked to be struggling in the final against Rafael Nadal before he somehow fought back from 3-1 down in the deciding set.
After winning the “Sunshine Double” of back-to-back titles in Indian Wells and Miami in March and April, Federer did not spring the biggest of shocks when he announced during the aftermath of his victory at the latter that he was planning to take eight weeks off and play just one clay-court tournament at the French Open.
Nadal was one of those who were not convinced that Federer would even turn up in Paris, the slow and punishing clay not conducive to fast-paced aggressive tennis. During April, Federer already had one eye on the grass, practising on quick hard courts with the Slazenger balls used at Wimbledon.
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Federer did practise for a few days on clay courts in Switzerland around two weeks before the French Open, but it did not take long for him to realise that playing at Roland Garros would disrupt the rhythm of his game. From that point onwards, the sole focus was on preparing for Wimbledon.
By managing his schedule carefully - he has no mandatory requirements to play Masters tournaments as a veteran player so can pick and choose to his liking - Federer has gained a zen-like calm through relaxing and enjoying other areas of life. Events in his social diary this year have included the Met Gala and Pippa Middleton’s wedding.
But, as expressed by the joy on his face today, he still lives and breathes for tennis. In his mid-thirties, he has discovered a way in which he can still compete at the highest level in this gruelling sport, and it has now earned him more Wimbledon titles than any other man. There may well be more to come.
