This year’s Wimbledon final witnessed an exhibition of raw base line hitting, something which we wouldn’t expect of a grass court match. The era of power hitters has indeed begun. Like a lot many people from my generation, Federer was the reason I started watching tennis. The elegance, class, swiftness, grace was something ethereal. Federer was the last patriarch of the art of serve and volley. His nimble movement on the court and the magical forehand will long be remembered. McEnroe summed his forehand up with the most amazing words “the greatest shot in our sport”. Nadal may go on to win more slams than Roger but he will never have the aura that made Federer special. There will be great rallies but there won’t be magic, there won’t be the magic of Roger Federer. - sukuntarachandani