This is the story of two athletes whose paths diverge, two players with different pedigrees who evolve in two different worlds, but above all this is the story of a breathtaking match that awakened an entire nation and defied all the odds.
His name is Roger Federer, he's been dominating world tennis for some time now, and is enjoying perhaps the most accomplished season of his young career.
His name is Takao Suzuki- one of those unknown players who has spent his entire career on the secondary circuit.
At the age of 30, the Japanese veteran suffering from a shoulder injury since the start of the season is now ranked 1078th and has been invited to take part in what will probably be his last tournament on the main circuit : The Japan Open
Takao Suzuki praised by Federer after a tight 3 set Match.
Having surprisingly won his first two rounds, Suzuki honored his invitation and reached the quarter-finals, where he would meet the new legend of men's tennis, Rodger Federer.
Heralded as a tennis representation of David versus Goliath, everyone agreed that the outcome was already known, everyone except Takao Suzuki.
In front of an enthusiastic Japanese audience, the thirty-year-old Japanese player takes his chances, demonstrating a boldness and bravery capable of toppling Swiss mountains.
Takao Suzuki Playing the Australian Open
« His serve is really incredible for such a little guy »
Amazed by his opponent's unreadable serve and aggressive approach to the net, Rodger Federer pushed himself to the limit to resist the madness of the surprising Suzuki.
Following a decisive tie-break, the world No. 1 eventually defeated an opponent who had proved to the world, and above all to his own nation, that Japan had everything it takes on the world tennis stage.
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