So Roger Federer at 35 won his 18th Grand Slam at the Australian Open today beating his arch rival Rafael Nadal in a thrilling match that ended 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3.

For me, the greatest point to pick from this record-breaking triumph is that being the best at what you do requires not just talent and skills but passion and hardwork. Passion to see you through the lonely spell of underachievement which Federer went through in the last 5 years since he won his first 17th Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2012. He could have hung-up is racket and retired gracefully as the greatest tennis player ever (or at least one of the greatest) at the point when Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray started their own exciting rivalry at the top while Nadal was also falling into decline as injuries set-in.

Passion by itself will not get you far without hardwork to develop your game (whatever it is you do) to the highest level. Roger definitely put-in the shifts especially with the process of coming out of injury, the Australian Open was his first Grand Slam after about 6 months out with injury. Like anybody who is observant knows, it takes time and some effort to get to your normal energy levels after a period of illness or injury, this is even more so for elite sportsmen.

The things I write for Roger Federer are also true for Rafael Nadal whose physically demanding game, has led to a long spell of injury-laced disappointment. However, he seems to be reaching a level close to his best this season with a ATP tour win already and his run to today’s final will see him rise to No.6 when the new rankings are released on Monday.

It will be very interesting to see how the likes of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray react to the resurgence of these 2 legends of the game with a couple of new contenders seeking to break into the top echelon of tennis as well. But for today, we celebrate 2 great masters of a great game, tennis!

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/great-lessons-roger-federers-18th-grand-slam-win/

Congratulations Roger, truly a great champ and fairplay to Nadal for a great tournament.