The Mark of Genius

Genius: It is a word perhaps which describes the extraordinary attribute within a person. There is a saying that Geniuses are made, not born. The word genius is synonymous with Albert Einstein, because he gave a simple equation which is a totality of everything that happens in this vast universe. In Sports, many people may wonder wether there are geniuses. In this aspect, i would like to say that Sports Geniuses are those which inspire generations and set benchmarks by which the game as a whole improves. By looking at Roger Federer's win at the Australian Open on Sunday, one wonders wether a new legend or genius has arrived on the centre stage.

In my mind, my list of Sports Geniuses include Michael Schumacher, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods and Donald Bradmen. All these individuals have performed in such a way that they are now the benchmark in Sport, rather than the sport being the Benchmark. Michael Schumacher has completely given efficiency, ruthlessness and passion a complete makeover for his exploits on the F-1 track. Donald Bradman batted in such a way that Generations aspire to be like him, and till date nobody has come to match him, let alone come close. Similar scenario for Tiger Woods. But, my focus on this is going to be Roger Federer, who 5 years ago was a god player, but now he is the absolute best, in fact close to being a legend.

Commentators on Sports channels describe Federer's play on the Tennis court a sheer work of Art. His ability to create shots from nowhere and at the same time run the opponent down to the ground reminds us of the legends of Tennis in the 60's and the 70's. Surgical and complete performances is what personifies Federer's ability on the court against any opponent. Due to all of this, at such a young age, he has won 10 Grandslams, and he has only been to 11 Grand slam finals. There is still a long way to go, and looking at Current form, it wont be long before he completes the Grand Slam, the Golden slam perhaps. Roger Federer's dominance is not even boring, the complaint which sometimes goes against great legends. But, watching Federer is always entertaining, for he can just make you spellbound with his shots and movement.

Of course, like all sportsmen, he too will get a time where-in he will be beatable and his form might desert him. But, there will be no doubting the fact that his performances over the last 2 years have been nothing short of Legendary. Opponents say that Federer can be beaten, but someone will have to play out of their skin to beat the Fed-Ex. It will be a sad thing if we see down the line, a Federer who has run out of form. But, this will serve as a reminder of the fact that Roger Federer in this period was absolutely a Legend.