What Federer Can Show Us

On the eve of the 2010 US Open, with Nadal as the best player in the game, Federer still has something to show us, to teach us. If Federer can play at a high level, with grace and true appreciation of those who surpass him in the moment, and can win occasionally while never being bitter or awkward, he will show us a new facet of sportsmanship. I hope he tries and I hope his public appreciates how difficult this accomplishment would be.

Nicholas and Nikolay

Nikolay is playing the best tennis of anyone over the past few months. His superb footwork and surprising power now are paired with a confidence that seemed to be strangely lacking in the past. When my son Lucas and I saw ND play at the Pilot Pen last summer, he was hitting 130 mph serves. I had no idea he had that sort of power. He also has a scowl. I learned of his scowl first hand when we were watching him on a practice court. Nikolay must not have been used to being observed by 'fans' - Lucas noted that he was looking at me with a glare as I prepared to photograph his practice. I find him fascinating - 13m in winnings and no website. He seems like a hard working, tough, smart, undersized athlete making the absolute most of his talents.

Fortunate

I remember watching tennis in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. For me, tennis today is the most entertaining and engaging it has ever been. I enjoy the personalities more - fewer brats, more nice people. The level of tennis is so far above the level of the 70s and 80s, it is not comparable. Federer and Nadal are a privilege to watch - the Williams sisters will be remembered 100 years from now. A great era to be involved with tennis!

Federer's 4th Round Decision

2 sets down. 3-4, break point. Second serve.

Runs around a medium deep ball heading toward him and angles an inside-out forehand well off the court. Haas doesn't move for it and has no more chances for the match.

Confidence, nerve, faith, guts. I don't know what Federer was thinking or feeling when he hit that forehand, but whatever it was, Federer took a great risk and executed perfectly when he was in poor form.

Coming into the French

There has been 'ver naice' television coverage of the tournaments betwen the year's first two major tournaments. The Tennis Channel has improved in the quality of its coverage and the interspersing of 'Minute Clinics' makes for a 'watch and learn' experience.

In the past 12 months, the role of 'challenger' is now Murray's or maybe Djokovic's instead of Nadal's. Federer is the fading great rather than the all-time great marching toward a record 14th major, and Nadal is the new potential all-time great.

2009 could be the year of a Nadal Grand Slam. If Nadal shows any vulnerability, 2009 could be a special year with the top four players competing against each other with superior tennis on all surfaces. All four play well on all surfaces and all are playing at a level that appears to be well above any players I have ever seen except for Sampras and Agassi at their bests.

What would Pete do?

Pete would have served more aggressively than RF did. Pete may have lost, but he would have imposed his will on serve.

Pete faced years of playing at a high level but not at a level where he could win major titles. He kept playing, did not listen to the critics who told him his time was over, and won a final major.

The next three or four years will determine whether RF is among the one or two greatest of all time. He will have to persevere through losses, maintaining his own confidence while others are doubting him.

Dominance

At 1-2, 30-15 in the 5th set, Mr Nadal removed Mr Federer's resolve to fight on. The 5th set appeared to convince RF that he has met the superior player. With all factors pointing to RF (length of previous matches, rest period between semi and final, court surface), RN won. Mr Nadal is a champion for all time - when facing the most severe challenges, he becomes stronger.