For years Federer was way above the others so he never had to stretch to win tournaments, Nadal always had a number 1 to look up to, and improve his game all the time. Raphael Nadal, who perhaps has the best defensive game in the circuit, with the ability to attack whenever the opportunity comes, has for the first time done a favour no one else could to Roger Federer. He has given Roger a motivation to go a notch higher.
In this age of power tennis, Federer plays a different game, he brushes the ball like an artist, has a single-handed backhand, covers the court easily, and his craft seems a perfect blend of science and art. He rarely looks hurried and places the ball as if he wanted to teach geometry.
This year Federer started with tears in Melbourne, a match that in his words he could have or should have won. Federer had looked invincible and in great touch throughout the tournament, slicing and cutting Andy Roddick and Del Petro on the way. Nadal was spent after his marathon match with Verdasco and should have been easy pickings for Federer.
Roger though showed that the crushing defeat in Paris had still not left its after effects and played an error prone fifth set, that the tiring Nadal gleefully accepted. The king of clay had now extended his influence to grass and to the Australian hard court as well.
In Roland Garros this year, Federer added the one victory that had eluded him all these years, he lifted the French Open trophy beating the man who ended Nadal’s brilliant run on clay. Federer with 14 Grand Slam titles is now the favourite to win on Wimbledon grass after his confidence boosting win in Paris. He also has a chance to go one up in the all time record list, where he presently sits in Sampras’ company. Federer’s greatness has never been seriously questioned, but it will be settled forever if he takes a few of the trophies that are currently in Nadal’s hands.
The fast hard courts of Flushing Meadows have always favoured Federer’s style and he is still very fit for the highest level. This year started with tears in Melbourne, but I have a strong feeling that it will end in New York with a lot of smiles for Federer.
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