Fanboy Fever: Paris-Bound Sharath Kamal Recalls Epic Encounter with Tennis Legend Roger Federer
As the 2024 Paris Olympics loom on the horizon, veteran Indian paddler Sharath Kamal is brimming with excitement for his fifth Games appearance. With his illustrious career spanning over two decades, Kamal has experienced numerous highs and memorable moments. Yet, among these, one stands out vividly in his memory—a chance encounter with Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer during the 2004 Athens Games. For Kamal, this incident remains one of his top five Olympic moments and an unforgettable testament to his admiration for Federer.
Kamal’s story unfolds from a seemingly ordinary day at the Athens Olympic Village. “One day, I was just out for lunch and as I was entering the dining hall from one side, there was another person coming from the other side with a tennis bag and his hair let loose. I felt like I had seen him somewhere, but I couldn’t recognize who he was with his hair let loose. We passed each other, actually crossed paths,” Kamal reminisces.
It was not until Kamal entered the dining hall, plate in hand, that the realization struck him. “It suddenly hits me. Man, it’s Roger Federer,” Kamal recalls, his voice tinged with excitement even years later. At the time, Federer was already making waves in the tennis world, but this was a more personal, fleeting encounter that Kamal cherished deeply.
Feeling a mix of shyness and thrill, Kamal navigated his way through the dining area in search of Federer. He finally spotted the tennis icon sitting alone at a table. In a bid to avoid intruding, Kamal chose a seat close to Federer’s table while savoring his meal. The atmosphere was electric with the presence of the tennis star, but the surprise didn’t end there.
As Kamal was absorbing the moment, another figure emerged—Andy Roddick, another tennis giant known for his charismatic presence on and off the court. Roddick, wearing a reverse hat and shorts, entered the scene, greeting Federer with a warm handshake and clapping hands. “I looked at him and it’s Andy Roddick,” Kamal says with a chuckle. The sight of the two tennis legends interacting so casually was the perfect complement to Kamal’s fanboy experience.
Kamal’s encounter with Federer and Roddick was more than just a celebrity sighting; it was a profound reminder of the unique intersections between athletes from different sports. Kamal’s reverence for Federer was palpable, and the chance to witness the camaraderie between Federer and Roddick was an icing on the cake.
Reflecting on his Olympic journey, Kamal shares how the 2004 Athens Games were a formative experience. At that time, winning an Olympic medal for Indian athletes was a monumental achievement. The landscape of Indian sports was different then, with the focus largely on emerging talent and making a mark on the global stage.
A notable moment from Athens was when Kamal had an impromptu interaction with another sporting legend, Indian shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. Rathore, who was considered India’s best medal prospect at the time, was about to compete in the Double Trap event. Kamal, accompanied by his coach Kamlesh Mehta, had the chance to meet Rathore just before his pivotal match.
“Coach Kamlesh Mehta asked me if I could recognize the person we were passing by,” Kamal recounts. When Mehta introduced him to Rathore, Kamal was thrilled. Rathore, known for his calm demeanor and exceptional shooting skills, had a brief but impactful conversation with Kamal. “Probably I disturbed him in his alone time, but he was sitting outside and relaxing. Coach Mehta said, ‘Come, let’s go and wish him.’ And then we both went and he spoke very nicely, asked about my match, etc. He went on to win the medal, and after he won the medal, it was so easy for me to go and look at the medal because I had already spoken to him the night before,” Kamal recalls with fondness.
As Kamal gears up for the Paris Olympics 2024, he carries with him a wealth of experiences and memories from his previous Games. His Olympic journey has been marked by perseverance, growth, and the pursuit of excellence. The 2004 Athens Games, with its unexpected encounters and personal milestones, remains a cherished chapter in his story.
This year, Kamal is determined to add an Olympic medal to his cabinet. His contributions to Indian table tennis have been significant, and his efforts have propelled the Indian men’s team to new heights. For the Paris Olympics, Kamal’s aim is not just to participate but to make a substantial impact, building on the legacy of his past achievements and the inspiration drawn from moments like his encounter with Federer and Rathore.
As the Games approach, Kamal’s reflections on these pivotal moments remind us of the unique experiences that define an athlete’s career. From the thrill of meeting legends like Federer to the inspiration drawn from fellow competitors like Rathore, Kamal’s journey is a testament to the passion and dedication that drive Olympic athletes. The Paris Olympics will undoubtedly add another exciting chapter to his storied career, and fans will be eagerly watching to see what new memories Kamal will create on the world stage.
