Happy Birthday My Forever No.1!

In a time when many insist on writing him off, Roger Federer appears more determined than ever to prove them wrong. He may not be the invincible force he once was, falling behind Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the rankings, but the Swiss Master is yet to lose the magical touch that made him the best tennis player in history.

After a rather poor season, Federer is keen on getting back to winning ways. As the tour moves to the American hardcourts he will definitely be one of the leading men unleashing their assault on the big prize: the US Open title. This week he is playing in Montreal, his first event since his Wimbledon disillusion. A great run in Canada could boost his confidence for the last Grand Slam of the year. I think a win at Flushing Meadow is vital if he wants to stay in contention with his main rivals and he knows it. Therefore, I would expect him to come out firing from the blocks.

Nevertheless, today, on his 30st birthday, I would like to say a big 'Happy Birthday' to my favourite tennis player, the one that probably offered me the biggest on court satisfactions. Since becoming his fan, I have been part of a roller-coaster ride. It wasn't always rainbows and butterflies, as the journey implied also misery, excruciating frustration and unfulfilled hopes. Nonetheless, at the end of the day, Federer found a way of putting back a smile upon my face and of providing me enough reasons to continue to believe in him and in his fighting spirits.

Having achieved more than any other player in history, Roger looks relentless in his quest for the top stop. This is probably what I admire most about him. Although he has it all, a glorious career, a perfect family, thousands of fans, he is still the same hugely talented guy in search of his dream. Some may find it hard to understand how and where he finds the inner strength and the motivation to keep on playing, but I don't. As long as he feels success is within his reach, he will strive for it. This makes him the greedy champion I like, greedy for achievements, for breaking records and for consolidating his legacy. For this, he will always have my utmost respect and sympathy. 

There are so many memories he created during the years, but probably the ones listed below are the strongest, most defining ones.

1. The moment I was most proud of Roger Federer

The moment he defied the odds and won that elusive French Open title. He collected the missing piece of the puzzle and became the greatest tennis player in history.

2. The most heartbreaking Federer defeat

The defeat to Nadal in the 2009 Australian Open was one of the lowest blows in Federer's career. Having controlled most of the encounter, the Swiss found himself out of sorts in the fifth set decider, allowing his Spanish nemesis to conquer his first Aussie crown. The defeat was so painful for Roger that we spend several minutes weeping his misfortune. The moment will remain in history as one of the most genuine on-court breakdowns.

3. The sweetest Federer triumph

Having lost surprisingly in the quarterfinals to American James Blake in the singles, Federer was desperate to grab an Olympic medal. He did it in the most unexpected manner, teaming up with Stanislav Wawrinka to fulfil his long time dream of becoming an Olympic Champion. The duo triumphed in the doubles at the 2004 Games in Athens.

photos (top-down / left-right):  GETTY IMAGES (x2), AP, GETTY IMAGES (x4), Reuters