After Rafael Nadal outlasted him in five sets in the Australian Open final last year, people began writing eulogies on Federer’s era of dominance. But with Nadal’s continued physical ailments derailing him, the rumors of Federer’s demise have proven to be more than a bit premature. Yahoo!’s Chris Chase sets the stage:
What A Difference A Year Makes For Federer
One year ago Roger Federer’s performance in the Australian Open final led to speculation that the great men’s tennis champion was at the precipice of a steep decline. He lost a five setter to his nemesis Rafael Nadal and cried on the court following the defeat. This year, the only speculation coming from Federer’s performance in the Aussie final is whether he can win tennis’s Grand Slam. And it was his opponent who was left in tears. […] After the match Murray said, “I can cry like Roger, it’s just a shame I can’t play like him.”
Meanwhile, Greg Couch of Fanhouse wonders just how long the Fed Express can keep going:
Apparently, there is no end. Twenty-eight, Federer’s age, is supposed to be old age in tennis. The last time Pete Sampras finished a year No. 1, he was 27.John McEnroe never won a major after 25. By 28, Bjorn Borg had been retired for two years.
Andre Agassi and Jimmy Connors were exceptions. Agassi won five after turning 29, and Connors three. But they were from different eras. Yes, even Agassi.
The men’s game has progressed so fast, become so much more physical and athletic than ever. That makes Federer even more amazing. He has been in 18 of the past 19 major finals.
I can cry like Roger … It’s just a shame I can’t play like him.
— Andy Murray Age creeps up fast on tennis players, so it’s a little risky to say this: But Federer could have five more top years. How many majors will that take him to?Twenty? Twenty-two? Twenty-four?
For more wrap-up of the Australian Open, be sure to check out SB Nation’s The Daily Forehand.
See More:
