Roger Federer's exit in the French Open does not diminish his tennis career achievements. However, French Open has solidified Rafael Nadal's exploits on the clay-court. Nadal won the French Open for the fifth time and regained the number one ranking in men's tennis from Federer.
This leads us to be excited about the Wimbledon Open. It is undoubtedly Frederer's playground because he has won there for six times. Thus, making him the top-seed in the coming tournament.
I would say that Federer is the king of tennis, for now. Why?
For winning his fourth Australian Open and 16th Grand Slam title, the Swiss tennis superstar, Roger Federer, established himself as peerless among tennis greats and players. The 28-year old Federer etched his place in tennis history as one of the greatest players, if not the greatest, to ever play the sports. He beat Andy Murray to secure the title in three straight sets of his 22nd career Grand Slam final appearance.
What is more amazing is that he has a lot of tennis years ahead of him. He can achieve more and totally separate himself from the mortals of the sports. And the year has just begun.
The previous record of 14 Grand Slam titles of the American Pete Sampras was seemed to be beyond the reach of any tennis players when he retired in 2003. Federer made the record humanly possible and breakable in one tennis career.
Just like in any sports, greatness does not come without fierce competition from a worthy rival who brings out the best in great players. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali would not be "the greatest" if not for his memorable fights with another boxing great Joe Frazier. In basketball, Magic Johnson had Larry Bird whereas in tennis, Pete Sampras had Andre Agassi.
In Federer's time, Spaniard Rafael Nadal has emerged as his toughest challenge in the run for Grand Slam titles. In fact, it was last year in the Australian Open that Federer was denied by Nadal to match the Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam titles. In turn in the succeeding Grand Slam event, he denied Nadal of his 4th consecutive French Open title. That was fitting for Federer to match the Sampras' record and winning his first clay-court French Open, plus he won all the Grand Slam events in various surfaces. Then, he defended the Wimbledon crown in grass court to surpass the record at 15 titles.
What is there for Federer to achieve further in his tennis career? I think there is more for him to stay in competitive tennis to elevate the intensity and level of playing of the sports. He is now the role model for aspiring tennis players. He exudes composure under intense competition and challenge, humility amidst his achievements, and provides the sports an iconic face and name.
Federer is king of tennis. Doubtless, he will remain as such for a long time. Let us see more of him and enjoy his showcase of talents, skills and character in and off the court. That is truly very kingly. But like any other king, he has a rival. Rafa Nadal is a very worth competitor and rival for the crown. What an exciting era for tennis!
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