No Grand Slam Title for 3 Years, Roger Federer Seeks Glory Days at Wimbledon

July 6, 2003 is a date that perhaps symbolises a new dawn in the world of tennis. A 21-year-old Swiss stunned the world to lift the crown at Wimbledon. Mark Philippoussis lost 6-7, 2-6, 5-7 to a rising star on Centre Court. Roger Federer had truly arrived and it set a new bar for excellence in men's singles tennis. (Play Should Stop When Hawkeye Can't See: Roger Federer)

His first Grand Slam proved to be more than just a flash in the pan. Federer went from strength to strength. Sixteen more Slams followed, allowing Federer to go past Pete Sampras' record of 14. A haul of seven Wimbledon titles is no mean feat. (How Spanish Tennis Went Into Meltdown)

The 2012 edition of Wimbledon saw Federer amble past Novak Djokovic and then dismantle Andy Murray in the final. Fans and critics alike hailed this as the return of the Swiss legend, but it appeared to be a false dawn. Injury problems, tournament pullouts compounded Federer's progress. While he won several Masters on the way, a Grand Slam was missing.

For three years, a Grand Slam has eluded the Swiss maestro. This gives rise to the question -- is the Roger Federer era over? (Venus, The 'Perfect Sister' Inspiring Serena's History Bid)

The last decade has seen men's tennis dominated by Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. With Nadal struggling for form and fitness, are we seeing a new age of Djokovic, Murray and Wawrinka? Is the 33-year-old a thing of the past? Time is running out without a doubt on the Swiss legend.

However, that does not diminish the achievements of arguably the greatest tennis player in the world. He may be past his prime, but definitely not out of the scheme of things.

Twenty-five Grand Slam finals since turning professional is not something one achieves through fluke. Talent, luck, hard work and determination get a player so far. But is it enough to take him further? How much more can Federer push himself. He was forced to pull out of the ATP World Tour finals last year and that sent shock waves across the tennis fraternity.

In 2014, Federer was part of the Swiss team that won the Davis Cup. The only feather missing in his cap is an Olympic Gold medal. He lost the men's singles final to Andy Murray in London 2012.

Having said that, Federer has proved time and again that he is up to the challenge. A testament to his ability to withstand pressure is entering seven consecutive Wimbledon finals (2003 to 2009).

So has the sun finally set on Federer's reign? Only time will tell. Wimbledon is his hallowed ground and maybe one last throw of the dice is expected from the man himself. After all, the fire burns the most before it is extinguished.

Regardless of whether Federer's aura over the tennis world has come to an end or not, one cannot deny the legacy he has left over the last decade or so. King Roger can proudly display his trophies like medals won in the battlefield.

After all he is an old soldier who won't quietly go into the night. For soldiers never die, they simply fade away.