There has never been another such astounding hybrid of Baryshnikov grace, pure athleticism, unequalled work ethic and superb sportsmanship in the history of sports.

Long after TMF (“The Mighty Federer”, as he is affectionately referred to by the media) hoisted the winner’s trophy in Paris, after the stadium emptied, the press was gone and everybody was having a hot café-aut-lait (and drying out from the drenching rain), Federer went back out to the stadium (in driving rain) just to give the grounds crew and the ball kids an opportunity to "hang" and take pictures with him. That is NORMAL STUFF from TMF.

Imagine the horror when earlier this year, Federer actually smashed a racquet in frustration! The first one in memory. That, I expect, got the index finger of many camera-phone wielding misanthropes twitching. That ONE Federer outburst is akin to Mother Theresa allowing a fleeting frown. Marat Safin, a former Slam winner himself, pulverizes 70 racquets every year and he plays about one tenth of the tennis Federer does.

To be in presence of greatness, albeit [this time] several thousand miles away and thru a CRT, is one of the great pleasures of life. Barns has had the sublime pleasure of watching Federer do his magic live on a number of occasions. To witness such greatness, with such grace, by an athlete who knows, understand, appreciates and is humbled by history, particularly his own history, is spellbinding.

Parents need to teach “Federer” to their children.

We would appreciate your comments, whether you are a tennis fan or not.

You just need to be a fan of unparalleled and unequaled achievement, done with absolute class.