When Roger Federer stepped out onto center court at Flushing Meadows, he had a lot to prove. Many thought he was washed-up and would never dominate again like he did throughout 2003-2007. Federer came out and proved once again why he is one of the most dominate athletes ever by displaying an absolute beat down on Andy Murray. People thought he was having an off year having an off year after just finishing playing the greatest match in history on the lawns of Wimbledon, making the final at the French Open and getting to the semifinals at Australia. What a bad year.
People had been spoiled so much by Federer’s dominance over the years that they could not handle the fact that the man was not winning every match he was playing in.
Even Federer’s opponents were beginning to doubt if the Swiss maestro could deliver all these titles. With the exception of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, most athletes dominate only for a couple years. This is understandable due to the nature of sport.
People will always be bigger, faster, stronger and new talent will always emerge. In Federer’s case he had Nadal itching towards the number one ranking for three years.
It was inevitable that Nadal would catch Federer especially after Federer clearly was suffering from the effects of Mononucleosis early in the season, even though he still managed to make it to the semifinals of Australia.
Many are saying that at the age of 27, Federer is passed his prime and will not be able to keep up with the like of young guns in Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Richard Gasquet and Murray. The problem is Federer is healthier than ever. Federer is now planning his schedule carefully to maximize his chances of winning Grand Slams. Those who believe Federer has no motivation left in the tank are deeply confused. He is only one grand slam away from tying Pete Sampras’ all time record of 14 grand slams and is on course to shatter the record.
Sports fans experienced a similar phenomenon with Tiger Woods. From 1999 to 2002 Woods dominated the golfing world, winning multiple slams by double digit margins. Woods experienced a long drought in his quest for breaking Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 majors from 2003 until The Masters in 2005.
Throughout this period people thought Tiger would never regain the dominance that was evident in 2000. As it is known, Woods came right back in 2005 and dominated winning the British open.
Unlike Woods who went 12 majors without a title, Federer only went three majors without a title.
Those who wrote Federer off truly cannot appreciate the dominance of this athlete due to his consistency for so long.
After losing Wimbledon, some felt that Federer was no longer fit enough to compete with his arch nemisis Nadal, and that his reign was over.
People do not remember the fact that Federer came back from two sets down agaisnt one of the fittest athletes in the world and probably lost because of a little bit of darkness due to the night.
Next year Federer is going to break through and win all four grand slams including a win at the French Open.
Nobody, not even Nadal, can meet the standards that Federer set from 2004 to 2007 and he will be motivated to be number one.