'She was watching a Roger Federer game in the retirement home', says huge fan

Dominic Thiem’s victory at the US Open also meant the Austrian’s entry into the small number of Grand Three winners outside the "big three". In fact, from 2015 to today, apart from him only Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray have managed to break the incredible streak of consecutive major titles won by Federer, Djokovic or Nadal. The reflection therefore seems to arise spontaneously. Will Thiem be able to finally undermine the three sacred monsters of tennis and hoist himself up to the first position in the ranking? In fact, we must also consider the condition with which the members of the trio will arrive next season. Federer deserves a separate speech, having been absent practically all season due to a double operation on his right knee. However, his immense class is indisputable and could, as always, make a difference. Nadal and Djokovic, on the other hand, also played a leading role in this 2020. The Majorcan champion confirmed himself for the 13th time Roland Garros champion, proving once again that he is absolutely unbeatable on clay. On the other surfaces, however, his performance is no longer so impressive. Also thanks to an athletic preparation this year forcibly upset by the break due to the coronavirus pandemic. Djokovic, on the other hand, in addition to the well-known behavioral issues, has had a quite mixed year by his standards. The "only" Grand Slam won in Australia and the other three titles won seem almost unworthy of the cannibal Nole. But if all this were not enough, in favor of Thiem it should be remembered that this year he became the second player ever to collect five or more wins against each of the "big three". Before him, only Andy Murray, the only other player capable of unseating the trio for the top position in the standings. Former World No. 1 Roger Federer has honored fans over all these years with monumental performances. The manner in which the Swiss commands respect on the court seems second to none. The connection Federer has with his fans holds a special place in his life. Maria-Louisa De Belder celebrated her 100th birthday on Christmas Day, but she had to spend it within the confines of her retirement home. The centenarian has been a long-time fan of tennis and Roger Federer, and this year her family and a Belgian daily - Nieuwsblad - went the extra mile to make her birthday memorable.

Federer sends heart warming gift to 100-year-old grandmother

“This really made my day a good one. Because it's a lonely affair. I can't believe he wrote that card just for me. You know, I also met my husband at the tennis club at the time. That sport has already brought me a lot of beautiful moments.” One of Maria-Louisa De Belder’s grandchildren - Victoria Campenhout - described the efforts they had put into catching Roger Federer's attention. “We made appeals via social media,” explained Campenhout. “With photos of my grandmother who was watching a Federer game in the retirement home - there are many. And we wrote to the Swiss tennis association.” Coming back to matters on the tennis court, we look forward to seeing Federer return to action in Melbourne. The 6-time Australian Open champion will be a part of the 2021 edition.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3aPYE7e