By David Worsley
Seventeen years. Remember 1999? That was the last time Roger Federer was not in the main draw of a Grand Slam.
Roger Federer, 34, has withdrawn from the 2016 French Open, which starts this weekend, with injury after a run of 65 consecutive main draw Grand Slam appearances.
Back in 99' at the US Open, Federer lost in second round of qualifying to countryman Ivo Heuberger in straight sets, but after that it's been main draw only and 17 times a champion.
In 99' Facebook wasn't a thing, neither was Twitter, Snapchat, or whatever else young people do. Steffi Graf retired that year, Martina Hings was number one and Anna Kournikova number nine and everyone was worried about Y2K. That's how long it's been since Fed last missed a Slam.
Anyone questioning the talent and the results of Federer over the past couple of years should look at those stats and marvel.
His lack of injuries prior to this year is to be appreciated by all and the way he plays is a style which is difficult to emulate...something graceful and with poise.
Sometimes people would comment that Federer never hits with power - stand near the court when he practices or plays and there's plenty of power and footwork...just with an influence of effortlessness.
It's not the end for Federer, however it is perhaps the opening of the final chapter where Grand Slams will never be the same again.
A tinge of sadness will hang over this year's French Open without him. It was unlikely he was going to win, but his name and play will be missed from the clay courts.
Perhaps the time off will mean he's fit and raring to go at Wimbledon and just maybe fans of all sport can celebrate a champion gaining one more Grand Slam title and the fact that Fed isn't finished yet.
Newshub.
