LONDON -- Roger Federer's third round match against Cameron Norrie at Centre Court felt familiar.Some of the fans wore Federer costumes and held up signs that said, "Federer will always be with us." The fans followed Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, on a pilgrimage. Their adulation was reflected at every All England Club Federer visits. He is greeted with laughter and appreciation after his match on-court comments.Roger Federer is the most loved player in men's tennis.The 39-year old is now in his final year of his career. However, any match here for the 20 time Grand Slam champion is still a dream destination for sports fans who know they'll be captivated and emotionally impacted by the experience.Centre Court at Wimbledon is an area where no matter what happens in the world the experience and expectation remain the same. It is a place where beloved protagonists are celebrated and welcomed back into post-tennis life like old friends. It's a refuge from all the daily stresses of normal life, even a global pandemic.It's a Lilliputian experience when you combine it with Federer dancing along the baseline, finding the perfect blade of grass with your sweeping backhand.Brad Gilbert, ESPN tennis analyst, said that Federer is a beloved player because of his style and people feel he's their own. Gilbert stated that Federer has a stylistic side and Americans may think he is Sampras. He's actually from Southern California, but he's not from Switzerland. "The Aussies think that he is Australian, while the French think that he is French. But somehow, he transcends his origins and becomes a global icon.Federer's resilience is not at the cost of grace and generosity off the court. Federer, a racquet-smashing teenager, learned to channel his frustrations on the court into form and that led to his emergence into tennis' consciousness. Federer admits that it is difficult to pinpoint when Federer first felt the love from Centre Court. Perhaps it was 2002 after he upset Pete Sampras in last year's final. He doesn't count on it, even now.He said that he didn't expect everyone to walk out for him. "When another man makes great shots, I want them to applaud him. You want the atmosphere there. It doesn't matter if it's one-sided. You applaud the great shots and the good plays in tennis, I believe. They might be more familiar with me because they have heard about me. Not everyone has to be like me.However, he defeated Richard Gasquet of France on Centre Court Thursday and only the random shout of "Allez Richard", broke the Federer love in.Cliff Drysdale, who also calls matches for ESPN, stated that "more than anything, it's the ballet-like manner he moves on the Tennis Court." He is open and honest in interviews, his public persona is great and you can see his tennis court skills and the greatest mover in history. Roger Federer will be aiming for his ninth Wimbledon singles title as well as his 21st Grand Slam overall title. Associated PressYou know that Federer will put you through an impressive display of tennis. It's something you've seen before. But it's still thrilling.Gilbert stated, "If anyone can only go to Wimbledon once, it's to see Fed play." It's like watching a famous conductor. It's almost like meeting a living legend.Gilbert suggested that Federer would be lucky to have 15% of the crowd before he defeated Norrie from Britain in four sets at Centre Court on Saturday. Although this was the case at the beginning of the match, the Centre Court crowd loves an underdog, especially if he's one they love. The crowd was impressed by Norrie's perseverance and effort. They even cheered him to the open roof after he gave a towel to a spectator who had been hit with an errorful serve.You could tell who was winning points by standing outside Centre Court, waiting for a break in play, and you could see that Norrie had taken a set from Federer. Federer won the match and advanced to Round 16, with his fans reliving every word he said after the victory.Tennis Major Pick 'Em - Make your picks to compete for $1,000 Take Your PicksAndy Murray's amazing appeal is partly due to the fact that fans appreciate Murray's emotion. Murray could have broken the bubble of Federer devotion at Centre Court, but that's another kind of love. Murray is a bit of an Everyman. He speaks to himself as if he were a regular at the local pub. He perseveres in the face of adversity. He feels like Britain both mentally and physically. He doesn't hold back emotion. Federer's son, Murray, cries. Murray expressed his desire to enjoy the tournament more after being in his tunnel vision of intense competition. Pre-tournament, Murray spoke of how much Federer had been a great mentor to him.Murray stated that he was a tennis fan and enjoyed playing with Roger Federer just two days before Wimbledon. I haven't had the chance to do this kind of thing in the past few years. That was something I really enjoyed."This is what translates to the fans: they watch great athletes and never know when their chance will end. These moments were only made more special by the limitations the world has had to face due to the ongoing pandemic.All of it contributes to the overall Wimbledon experience. There are creeping chatter between the points, overpriced strawberries and cream, and the embarrassing stifled giggle when a champagne cork is launched into the SW19 sky. The applause when umpires remind people to turn off their phones.Next batch is yet to receive the same praise. Alexander Zverev was on Thursday doing his press duties from the broadcast balcony, which overlooks the southwest corner at Centre Court. A few fans stood below, hoping to catch his attention. Federer stood in the exact same spot later that day while 100 fans below were trying to catch a glimpse.Drysdale stated that Drysdale doesn't believe it will ever be Federer-like for these guys. "It's hard to imagine Federer enjoying greater popularity in history. Bjorn Borg was the closest thing I've seen. Because tennis has a way to give birth to legendary champions, once you start winning in the sport, it breeds winning.Just like Borg, and other greats who enjoyed their time in the sun (and the rain), the Federer dynasty is going to end. However, there will be few people who will be as adored at the Centre Court's 99-year-old Centre Court.
