Commentary: A true champion, Roger Federer's legacy of greatness and grace will be missed

SINGAPORE: I used to root against Roger Federer whenever he glided across my television screen.

Yes, against him.

It was possibly because my younger brother was a Federer fan, but probably because the man seemed simply invincible. Backhands sliced with exquisite perfection, forehand winners swept past desperate lunges, cross-court volleys hit with inch-perfect precision.

Federer had a magician's repertoire. A hint of a smile, a pump of the fist, a wave to the crowd. Little sound, not much sweat.

Match after match, Grand Slam after Grand Slam, the juggernaut rolled on. After all, there is a reason why he is nicknamed Federer Express. It was a little infuriating how good he was to the teenage me. 

But Federer was more man than machine. He showed that one could be strong but also vulnerable.

I watched him weep after a 2009 finals defeat to Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open. Eight years later, he sobbed with joy as he kissed the trophy. 

His game may have been immaculate, but he was human after all. The Swiss legend announced his retirement in a statement on Thursday (Sep 15). Federer, who won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, will retire after the Laver Cup in London.

The 41-year-old will now join 40-year-old Serena Williams, who played her final match at the US Open earlier this month, in the "retirement club" of tennis greats. Their retirement, just weeks apart, marks the end of an era. 

For Federer, the last three years have been beset with injuries and surgeries. In 24 years, he has played more than 1,500 matches. One can only imagine the punishment and pain.

As he said in his retirement statement: "I also know my body's capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear. I am 41 years old ... I must recognise when