Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer's incredible performances have made us forget they are humans after all
Incredible consistency by Federer and Nadal
Immortality has never been a trait that can be associated with humans. But we do come across certain individuals who transcend the boundaries of mortality and achieve greatness like none other. They inspire others with their craft and make you gasp in awe and admiration. Be it in any field, mankind has been blessed with greats who have reshaped the course of history with their perseverance and grit to succeed at any cost. And when it comes to a sporting field like tennis, two prominent figures come to my mind .i.e. Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal.
Though men’s tennis has been graced by superstars like Don Budge, Roy Emerson, Rod Laver & Bjorn Borg to name a few but none have been able to do it so consistently and for such a long period of time as these two gladiators of the 21st century. Though it is completely unfair of me to compare such greats of different eras; they all have enriched the game with their sublime skills and personality both on the court and off it. But when it comes to these two, greatness just gets escalated to a whole new level.
Since the beginning of this century, Federer has played in each and every Grand Slam. My word, 62nd consecutive Grand Slam appearances with 36 semis and 25 finals to his credit. Astonishing to say the least! For years he has charmed us with deft volleys and breath taking forehands, not to forget that gorgeous single handed backhand that is a rare commodity these days.
Be it the lawns of London or the windy conditions at the hard courts of Flushing Meadows or even the searing heat of Australian summer, he has conquered it all. And all this began way back in 2003 at the SW 19. Since then, there has been no looking back.
Fedal – A riveting rivalry
As the Swiss maestro was stamping his authority on the world map with considerable aplomb, a young left hander from Mallorca was honing his skills quietly. And in 2005, he burst onto the scene, dominating the dirt like never before. He made the clay court season his own and dictated matches at will. And there began an era where two players at their peaks dominated the tennis world with ease for considerable amount of time.
Both had some classic duels amongst themselves, most noticeably the 2008 Wimbledon final where the king of clay finally got the better of maestro and dethroned him after an epic battle. And such was their consistency that by 2010, both had actually achieved the career Grand Slam. It was an astonishing feat, an era like none other.
As this year’s Roland Garros comes to a conclusion, for the first time since 2005, there will be no Federer or Nadal in the semis. And this has happened for the second Grand Slam in a row in addition to this year’s Australian open. For years we have been accustomed to witness these two greats win Majors and charm their million fans across the globe.
Their consistency in Majors has been a treat to watch. But even the legends are mortals and they are not meant to do win big time and time again. They just can’t go on for ever. And this is what we are seeing right now.
Not in their prime anymore
Age is definitely catching up with Federer and Nadal is just a pale shadow of what he was at his prime. His confidence level is at an all-time low. And with new breed of players coming up and exerting their presence, it would be tough for them to achieve the same level of consistency they displayed during their prime.
But being a Fedal fan, I can never count them out. And remember, champions always find a way out of the sink hole and shine bright like never before. Their powers might be waning, but don’t be surprised if you see Federer lifting the Wimbledon trophy for a record eighth time next month or for that matter, Nadal winning an unprecedented 10th crown at Roland Garros next year.
They might be mortal after all but their spark will never subside.