Roger Federer, a un (enorme) paso del anhelado Oro

Hoy, Roger Federer sufrió como pocas veces. En su espalda carga un enorme compromiso ya no con su nación, sino con él mismo. Es cierto que Suiza ve en él a su mayor esperanza, sino es que la única, de obtener una medalla de oro en los Juegos Olímpicos. Es cierto que el tenista es la estrella deportiva más grande que ese país ha dado y que llega a Londres de nuevo colocado como el número uno del mundo según el ranking de la ATP. Pero lo que a Roger le pesa no es nada de eso, sino que siendo un hombre que ha batido prácticamente todos los récords de este deporte y que cuenta en su historial con la impresionante cantidad de 17 Grand Slams ganados, le sigue faltando el escalón más alto en el podio Olímpico. A sus 30 años de edad, aunque todavía le queda vida para seguir conquistando títulos, podemos casi asegurar que se trata de su último ciclo olímpico, así que colgarse la medalla de oro es algo que desea con todo su corazón.

Es cierto, por supuesto, que en Beijing 2008 obtuvo la medalla de oro al lado de su amigo y compatriota Stanislas Wawrinka, pero aunque sin duda aquello fue una proeza maravillosa, ganar en dobles no tiene el mismo sabor que consagrarse en singles. Y para alguien de mentalidad ganadora y ambiciosa como la de Roger Federer, el Oro Olímpico es algo que se necesita casi, casi como el aire que se respira. Este tipo, el más grande tenista de todos los tiempos, tiene mucha hambre todavía.

Y sí, Federer hoy sufrió en una tremenda semifinal frente al guerrero argentino Juan Martin del Potro, ese que en 2009 le arrebatara el US Open en un partido de final histórico disputado a cinco sets. Aunque la serie entre estos dos jugadores se encuentra totalmente inclinada a favor del suizo, se sabía que la batalla contra ese a quien apodan 'La Torre de Tandil' no iba ser cosa fácil, porque claro, estando tan cerca de la gloria, el chico de 23 años iba a pelear con todo para poder colarse a la final de los Juegos Olímpicos.

Lo que hoy vimos en la cancha fue un deleite de tenis, por un lado, cortesía del magnífico Roger, con su perfección de muñequeo, su precisión, su asertividad, su calma y su experiencia, y por el otro, gracias a Del Potro con su enorme talento, su garra, sus largas carreras para alcanzar pelotas y su devoción por el deporte.

La batalla fue agotadora para ambos y por momentos, al argentino le empezaron a fallar las piernas, pero siempre tuvo fuerza para volver a correr un poco más. En otras ocasiones, al suizo le falló el pulso, y cuando tuvo todo para quebrar a su adversario, pegaba con más efecto del que quería y sus pelotas se iban largas.

Ambos sudaban, respiraban agitados, miraban al horizonte tratando de encontrar un poco de calma y una pizca más de inspiración. Al final, luego de un histórico partido de 4 horas con 25 minutos -el más largo en la historia de los Olímpicos-, la magia de ese a quien muchos llaman "su majestad" o "la perfección suiza", se hizo presente. La disputa terminó a su favor con un dramático marcador 3-6, 7-6 (5), 19-17. Ambos gladiadores soltaron lágrimas y el estadio de Wimbledon retumbó por la ovación rendida a estos monstruos del tenis.

Del Potro fue un hueso duro de roer que puso a prueba todas las virtudes de Federer. Pero lo que hoy pasó aquí, todo ese sufrimiento, es sólo la primera parte del camino al oro. En la otra semifinal se encuentran compitiendo Andy Murray, la esperanza local, y Novak Djokovic, el serbio que ha madurado para convertirse en una máquina del tenis. Ambos son tremendamente talentosos y mucho más jóvenes que Federer, y por ello sus posibilidades de vencer al suizo en la final son grandes. Pero Roger tiene hambre de triunfo. Roger quiere pasar a la historia como el tenista que lo conquistó todo. Roger quiere ese metal que le falta en la vitrina, así que aunque hoy dio un enorme paso hacia la gloria olímpica, deberá sacar lo mejor de sí para ganar esa última batalla.

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• Switzerland's Roger Federer speaks during a press conference ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France (C) and Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) take part in a Kids Day exhibition match ahead of the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) chats with one of his support crew during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) warms up with cartoon character Sponge Bob during a Kids Day exhibition match in the lead-up to the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland takes part in a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Mirka Federer (R), the wife of Roger Federer of Switzerland, sits with their twins to watch her husband play in a Kids Day exhibition match in the lead-up to the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• 2013 Australian Open Previews

  MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland speaks to the media ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

• 2013 Australian Open Previews

  MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland speaks to the media ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland takes part in a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• 2013 Australian Open Previews

  MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland speaks to the media ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

• 2013 Australian Open Previews

  MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland speaks to the media ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland takes part in a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland waves to the crowd as he takes a break during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 12, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• 2013 Australian Open Previews

  MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 12: (L-R) Victoria Azarenka, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Ana Ivanovic pose with Nickelodeon characters during the Rod Laver Arena spectacular at Kids Tennis Day ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer jokes with a cartoon character Sponge Bob Square Pants during an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

• Mirka, wife of Switzerland's Roger Federer arrives on Rod Laver Arena with her daughters Myla and Charlene to watch an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer acts as a ball boy during an exhibition match at the Kids Tennis Day on Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

• Mirka, right, wife of Switzerland's Roger Federer watches with her daughters Myla and Charlene and a unidentified woman a exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer jokes with a cartoon character Sponge Bob Square Pants during an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus look as France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga acts a s a ball ball during an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer throws the ball along the court as he acts as a ball boy during an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

• Players from left, Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Switzerland's Roger Federer, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams of the US and Serbia's Ana Ivanoic pose for a group photo following an exhibition match on Rod Laver Arena during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

• France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, left, Switzerland's Roger Federer and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus play an exhibition match during the Kids Tennis Day at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a return during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland serves during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland (C) takes a break during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland serves during a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• 2013 Australian Open Previews

  MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 11: Roger Federer of Switzerland serves during a practice session ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 11, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-OPEN-AUS

  Roger Federer of Switzerland takes part in a practice session for the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 11, 2013. The first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year is set to run from January 14 to 27. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCK IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer makes a backhand return during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer serves during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer, right, talks with to a training partner during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer serves during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer picks up a racket during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer serves during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer throws the ball in the air during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• Switzerland's Roger Federer serves during a practice session at Melbourne Park as he prepares for next week's Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

• 2013 Australian Open Previews

  MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a forehand during practice ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 8, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

• 2013 Australian Open Previews

  MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Roger Federer of Switzerland wears his Nike headband during practice ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 8, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

• 2013 Australian Open Previews

  MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Roger Federer of Switzerland has a drink during practice ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 8, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

• 2013 Australian Open Previews

  MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a backhand during practice ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 8, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

• 2013 Australian Open Previews

  MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a backhand during practice ahead of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 8, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

• Roger Federer

  Switzerland's tennis player Roger Federer heads the ball as he plays an exhibition soccer-tennis game with Colombia's goalkeeper Farid Mondragon in Bogota, Colombia, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

• Roger Federer, Farid Mondragon

  Switzerland's tennis player Roger Federer, left, returns the ball to Colombia's goalkeeper Farid Mondragon as they play an exhibition soccer-tennis match in Bogota, Colombia, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

• Roger Federer, Farid Mondragon

  Switzerland's tennis player Roger Federer, left, returns the ball to Colombia's goalkeeper Farid Mondragon as they play an exhibition soccer-tennis match in Bogota, Colombia, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

• Roger Federer

  Switzerland's tennis player Roger Federer returns the ball to a young player as he gives a tennis clinic in Bogota, Colombia, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

• TENNIS-COLOMBIA-FEDERER-CLINIC

  Swiss tennis player Roger Federer gives the thumb up during a clinic in Bogota, Colombia, on December 15, 2012. AFP PHOTO/Eitan Abramovich (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-COLOMBIA-FEDERER-CLINIC

  Swiss tennis player Roger Federer plays with a girl during a clinic in Bogota, Colombia, on December 15, 2012. AFP PHOTO/Eitan Abramovich (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-COLOMBIA-FEDERER-TSONGA-CLINIC

  Swiss tennis player Roger Federer (L) and French tennis player French Jo-Wilfried Tsonga pose during a clinic in Bogota, Colombia, on December 15, 2012. AFP PHOTO/Eitan Abramovich (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-COLOMBIA-FEDERER-TSONGA-CLINIC

  Swiss tennis player Roger Federer (L) and French tennis player French Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (R) sign autographes during a clinic in Bogota, Colombia, on December 15, 2012. AFP PHOTO/Eitan Abramovich (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)

• TENNIS-COLOMBIA-FEDERER-CLINIC

  Swiss tennis player Roger Federer hugs a boy during a clinic in Bogota, Colombia, on December 15, 2012. AFP PHOTO/Eitan Abramovich (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images)

TAMBIÉN VE:

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• Andy Murray, de Gran Bretaña

  El escocés, que es la gran esperanza de medalla de oro, luce un fabuloso uniforme diseñado por Stella McCartney.

• Roger Federer, de Suiza

  El tenista número uno del mundo vistió de rojo y blanco, para hacer honor a su bandera nacional.

• Serena Williams, de Estados Unidos

  Este es uno de los uniformes más lindos que hemos visto en las canchas de Wimbledon. En un azul sobrio y con vivos blancos. Serena añade una banda en la cabeza y muñequeras en rojo -y claro, un bra en el mismo tono.

• Novak Djokovic, de Serbia

  El tenista número 2 del mundo luce el mejor uniforme que le hemos visto en su carrera. Elegante su camiseta tipo polo, en el mismo tono de azul de su bandera. Las franjas de color en el cuello añaden personalidad, y las muñequeras un tono divertido.

• Maria Sharapova, de Rusia

  La rubia se ha destacado siempre por su estilo para vestir en la cancha. En esta ocasión la vemos con un vestido sencillo y elegante, en donde el rojo predomina.

• Lleyton Hewitt, de Australia

  Los colores de esta nación siempre lucen bellísimos en sus uniformes. Es una pena que a este chico lo hayan eliminado ya de la competencia.

• Caroline Wozniacki, de Dinamarca

  Este es otro de los vestidos más lindos que hemos visto en la competencia. Rojo vibrante con pequeños detalles en blanco. <a href="http://voces.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/28/caroline-wozniacki-unas_n_1714131.html?1343501492" target="_hplink">Esta chica completó su look con un manicure patriótico</a>.

• Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, de Francia

  Este francés portó una elegante camiseta azul de cuello redondo, con detalles rojos en cuello y mangas.

• Victoria Azarenka, Bielorrusia

  Esta combinación de colores también es fantástica, y la número uno del mundo sin duda se ha dado a notar en la cancha.

• Venus Williams, de Estados Unidos

  La otra hermana Williams optó por un diseño distinto, un poco más "artístico".

• Urszula Radwanska, de Polonia

  El azul ha sido sin duda uno de los colores predominantes en esta competencia olímpica.

• Juan Martin del Potro, de Argentina

  El delicado y bello azul que representa al país sudamericano.

• Andy Roddick, de Estados Unidos

  Roddick nunca se ha caracterizado por vestir bien -no le hemos visto una sola camiseta que sea de su talla. El tenista eligió un tono azul distinto al resto de los estadounidenses.

• Nicolas Almagro, de España

  En este uniforme nos habría gustado ver un toquecito de amarillo.

• Simon Gilles, de Francia

  Otro francés, pero ahora con una camiseta de cuello abierto y con líneas de color en el costado.

 

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