So, the last day of the month, the 150th Day Dedicatee, and in my opinion, the greatest sportsman of all time. Ladies and gentlemen, ROGER FEDERER.
I think the facts and stats say it all, if I'm honest. Career earnings of over $53 million, and winner of 16 Grand Slam titles. That makes him the best player ever in terms of titles. 23 consecutive Grand Slam semi-finals, 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals, and a run of featuring in 18 out of 19 Grand Slam finals. He has won 4 ATP Tour finals, 16 ATP Master series, and is only one win away from being the best ever within the tour. 62 career titles, and a winning rate of over 80%. Olympic gold medalist, World Sportsman of the Year for 4 years running. He was ranked as the best in the world for 237 consecutive weeks, and is back to being world number 1, where he should be.
So, you'd think he spends all of his time training on the courts? Wrong. Slap bang in his recent Australian Open success, he organised and competed in a 'Hit for Haiti' tournament - raising over $200,000 for the Haiti appeal with exhibition matches. He has his own foundation, which helps disadvantaged people. He is a UNICEF ambassador, and campaigns against AIDS. Do I continue?
His sonsers deem him so good, and such a valuable asset, that he is tied down to LIFETIME contracts with both Nike and Wilson. He even has his own range within Nike - which he personally designs.
He comes across as the bloke you want to get to know. His poise, his accuracy, his vast array of shots. His ability to know where the ball is going, his concentration, his good nature, his kindness on and off the court. He is an idol to millions across the world, me included. If I came out as anything like Roger Federer, I know I've done something right.
Balance all that with being a husband, a new father of twin girls, and a being a religious man, and that is why he is the greatest that ever lived.
ROGER FEDERER, you are the Day Dedicatee for Sunday 31st January 2010.
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