WORLDVIEW: Strategic secret behind Federer’s surprising triumph – SA genes also helped.

In an alternative universe, South Africa would be celebrating the remarkable Wimbledon victory of Swiss superstar Roger Federer. Tennis's ageing war horse is the son of the Kempton Park-born lass Lynette Durand (65) who, in the 1960s and 1970s, starred on Joburg's netball and hockey fields and still plays a serious game of golf..Lynette met Roger's father, Swiss native Robert, who made a trip to SA when he was 24. He stayed to court his future bride whom he married in 1973. They later moved to his homeland where their children Diana (1979) and the champion Roger (1981) were born..Robert freely admits his son's athletic abilities were inherited from the South African genes. For his part, Roger credits much of his success to his mother's encouragement and the family's frequent trips to SA where his Foundation sponsors creches for underprivileged children in Limpopo..___STEADY_PAYWALL___.Mindful of the SA connection, Biznews's sport mad managing editor Stuart Lowman is a big-time Federer fan. But his respect has grown since researching the business-type strategy that underlies the reigning Wimbledon champion's latest triumph..Stuart writes: "Poet Robert Browning may have coined the phrase 'less is more' in 1855, but tennis sensation Roger Federer has brought it to life..The Swiss-born superstar lifted his eighth Wimbledon title over the weekend, a record as he surpassed the likes of 'Pistol' Pete Sampras and William Renshaw whom claimed seven in life..Federer who turns 36 next month, has been chasing this historic moment since he won his seventh title back in 2012. The victory bringing his total number of Grand Slams to 19..But what makes this victory more interesting, is his preparation..Last year the former World number one took a six-month injury layoff, with many writing him off, but he started the current season off with a victory in the Australian Open against Spanish rival Rafael Nadal. He also went on to win the Masters honours titles in Indian Wells and Miami..He then decided to skip the entire clay court season: "In an attempt to try and play on the ATP World Tour for many years to come.".His gamble has certainly paid off in the short-term. And not only did Federer claim the Wimbledon title, but he didn't drop a set the entire tournament..Federer hasn't said how much longer he wants to play the game professionally. But with this year's rewards from a more structured approach, spectators may get to see him for a few more years yet, at the top of his game.".Nice one Stuart. The great Graeme Pollock played first class cricket until he was 43. That might be a stretch for Federer, but Federer is already easily the oldest singles champion of the modern era. And why not aim to surpass 41 year old Arthur Gore, who won the title in 1909. 40 is the new 30 after all?

WORLDVIEW: Strategic secret behind Federer’s surprising triumph – SA genes also helped.

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