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No, Seriously, Federer May Be a Robot

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 9, 2009 9:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – The late David Foster Wallace once marveled at a Roger Federer forehand, saying, “It was impossible. It was like something out of The Matrix.” And now that Federer has passed Pete Sampras and holds the Grand Slam record, it’s time to wonder if Wallace was on to something. “Let me put this bluntly,” writes Roger Cohen of the New York Times. “Is Roger Federer part of a Matrix-like artificial reality or is he flesh and blood?”

During the Wimbledon final, Federer’s shirt remained buttoned for the entire match. No sweat appeared on his forehead. He seemed to be “switching from slice to topspin backhand on the basis of some nerd’s formula no opponent can grasp.” OK, so Federer broke down at the Australian Open. We’ve seen him cry and throw a racket. He’s probably human. “Unless, of course, all this is only further proof of the devious genius of Federer’s cyber-creators.”

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

Andy Roddick of U.S. plays a return to Roger Federer of Switzerland during their men's final match on the Centre Court at Wimbledon, Sunday, July 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

Roger Federer of Switzerland acknowledge the crowd after defeating Andy Roddick of U.S. in the men's final match on the Centre Court at Wimbledon, Sunday, July 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Julian Finney, pool)

Roger Federer of Switzerland pose with the trophy after defeating Andy Roddick of U.S. in their men's final match on the Centre Court at Wimbledon, Sunday, July 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Julian Finney, pool)

People walk past a picture of Wimbledon champion Roger Federer that decorates the front of a shop in central London's Oxford Street, Tuesday, July 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

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I wanted Roddick to win because he may never play that well again while Federer will seldom play much less well. I wanted Roddick to win because he broke a sweat. - Roger Cohen

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