By David Challenger CNN Adjust font size:
    Editor's note: Many people have fantasized about a perfect job. CNN's "Day in the Life" examines people earning a living doing what others dream of. (CNN) -- It's match point for top-ranked tennis player Roger Federer at the 2006 Australian Open final in Melbourne, Australia. He and his opponent, Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, have been toiling in the evening's summer heat on the Rod Laver Arena for almost three hours. Finally, after Baghdatis nets a return backhand, it's all over. Federer claims his seventh Grand Slam victory with the 5-7, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2 win, placing him equal with past champions that include John McEnroe and John Newcombe. Emotion and relief pour out of the 24-year old Swiss champion as the victory sinks in. It's hardly surprising -- it's been a long day. Federer had awoken 11 hours earlier at 11:30 a.m. after getting about 10 hours sleep, which he aims for before each match. But the day of this finals game is different, he concedes. "It was difficult because I had a lot of time on my hands, since the game wasn't due to start at 7:30 p.m. So I had all day to think about it, and it was actually quite nerve-wracking," Federer says. "Especially since I was the big favorite and I knew everyone was really looking forward to the match. It was far tougher than other matches I've played before." Through the day, Federer keeps to a set routine, usually only conversing with girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec and former Australian tennis great, coach Tony Roche. "Tony has had a very positive affect on my game. I think since we've been together, I've won three majors in a row. So it's a very solid record," he says. Federer also watches his dietary intake, and eats foods heavy in carbohydrates such as pasta, so that he "doesn't get hungry during the match." Finally, he heads to the tennis stadium, but not before some last minute chores. "Mirka and I decide what clothes I'll wear for the match. I just have to remember all the stuff I need to wear before, during and after the game in regards to sponsorship, etc.," he says. "But things like drinks and strings are taken care of for me ... in fact, almost everything is taken care of for me." Superstitions often run rife in the minds of elite sportsmen and women. Deciding which shoe to strap on first, or which color swimming goggles to wear can be a tortuous affair for some. But Federer dismisses such feelings. "I certainly have a set routine, such as knowing what time I should arrive at the courts, how long I warm up for, and how many rackets I'll take out to the court. But I don't really call those things superstitions," he says. Center-court showdownArriving at the locker rooms at the tennis center, Federer changes into his gear and meets Baghdatis. The exchange is polite but brief. "I said hi, asked how he was doing, but it was more small talk, really, nothing too serious," Federer says. Finally, it's show time. The match sees Baghdatis aggressively challenge the favorite early on, but after failing to force a tie break in the second set, cramps set in and the Cypriot succumbs to Federer's skills. "Right after winning match point I experienced relief, then joy," Federer says. "It was a different type of feeling this time, as Marcos was struggling from fatigue and cramp, and I was getting ready for the moment I was going to win. "Once it happened, I was just relieved it was over, and the emotions and happiness really surfaced a few minutes later," he says. Indeed they did. Ever the man in control, Federer uncharacteristically wept as he stood on the podium while receiving the trophy from his all-time hero, Australian tennis great Rod Laver. "I was just so happy, especially being up there on stage with Rod. It's really too much, sometimes, as I'm also just human," Federer says. Laver, who many consider the world's greatest tennis player ever, twice swept the Grand Slams, and predicts Federer could do the same this year. (See footnote below) Until then, Federer plans to ease slowly back into his routine. "I'll take a few days off, but in about a week I'll get back into the full swing of things," he says. "But right now, I'm enjoying the moment with friends, drinking champagne, taking photos and unwinding after the day's excitement. It's just great to be in a private place with friends." Footnote: Roger Federer won Wimbledon 2006, but cannot sweep this year's Grand Slams after losing the French Open in June. |
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Roger Federer and Marcos Baghdatis pose just before the match.
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