Federer's desire was questionable in his first match loss to Gilles Simon
The Rogers Cup was anything but Roger’s tonight and it did not produce a delicious draught in Federer’s first match since Wimbledon’s disappointment. After winning the first set 6-2, Roger proceeded to lose the next two 5-7, 4-6, bowing out as early as he ever has in Toronto.
In watching the unfolding of the final set, it appeared as though Roger didn’t care about winning. I couldn’t help thinking that he wanted to punish all of those who have written him off. “So you think I’m done? Well, fine. I’m done. I’m all washed up,” his attitude seemed to say. “You need me more than I need you, but you don’t even know it,” his flailing forehand screamed.
If I could come up with some reason that made sense, I would say that Roger tanked the match. As he slapped, seemingly carelessly, at forehands at key moments, I found myself staring in profound shock. It amazed me that the player I considered the greatest of all time (GOAT), was actually playing like a goat.
There’s no way for me to know what was going on out there tonight, but it greatly saddened me to see Roger Federer refuse to make any changes to his game when it was clear that what he was doing was not bringing him success. Roger believed the hype when he was being called the greatest. Perhaps Roger now believes the hype about his being all washed up.
I hope Roger Federer remembers how and why he is/was considered the GOAT by so many, even those who played at the highest level, and goes on to defy those who believe his time of greatness has passed. If Roger's not careful, they might rename the event Rafa's Cup.
