Just when you thought that 2012 was going to be the year of vindication and triumph for all athletes, something happens that makes you realize that some thing just may not be meant to be. Spain defeated Portugal and denied Christian Ronaldo a chance to be a champion in a year where he is clearly been defined as Europes best footballer. He has had a magical year and leading his country to the Eurocup would have been quite a topping on his iced cream cone. This year so far we have seen Tiger win three times after hearing that he may never win again. Serena Williams winning Wimbeldon after being elimnated in the first round at the French and being deemed over the hill. We have seen Lebron win his first title. Coach Cal lead Kentucky to a title. Maria Sharapova ascend to number 1 in the world and complete the career grand slam. We have seen Dale Earnhardt Jr. win a NASCAR race and the Los Angeles Kings win the Stanly Cup. Andy Murray could not unfortunately join this vindication group however. The reason is tha Roger Federer was seeking his own vindication and validation.
Roger Federer has won more major titles in his sport than any individual has in their sport in this generation. Serena has 14. Tiger has 14, Kobe has 5. Marty Brodeur has a handful. Derek Jeter has 5. Is he the greatest tennis player to live? Most say yes because of some of the records he has posted. The consecutive streak at number 1 is amazing. The records for consecutive grand slam semi-finals and quarter finals will never be duplicated. He has made tennis more than relevant world wide and has elevated the play on the court. I have never seen someone have a reply for every type of shot hit or every type of style. I mean, he hits winning shots off of winning shots. He "holds" shots on his racket and then strikes with precision of a surgeon. He makes great players look silly and he has been doing this for many, many years. He has beaten Sampras and Agassi. He has an all court game that translates on all surfaces. What else can one say?
The only problem for me is that he has only one French Open title because Rafael Nadal is just a better dirt baller. I never saw Rod Laver play and so I cannot say that Federer was better than he. Laver is the only man to win the grand slam of tennis. He actually did it twice. Laver had grace and finesse around the net and I often wonder what would Federer have done to off set his game. The reason Nadal gets him on clay every time is the spin and kick of Nadals ball to Federer back hand give him fits. Laver was a lefty and may have used the "crafty" lefty ways to defeat Federer. We will of course never know but i wonder if they could C.G.I the match just to see what would happen. Nadal actually beat Federer on grass a couple of years ago and made everyone speculate that the torch was about to be passed. Federer continues to show that he is not ready to relinquish anything and beating Murray in Wimbeldon, he reminds us that he still has game.
Federer is now the number 1 ranked player in the world again. The Olympics will be yet another stage where he shows us how great he is. I really wanted Murray to win the other morning because he truly is carrying the wait of the United Kingdom on his shoulders. The Olympics are in London and maybe Murray will get another chance to play for the gold. I just hope that he is not in Federers draw, because if he is, he will most certainly be defeated..
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