Random Musings

Many of you who are aware of my die hard fan-dom for Federer, might wonder about the title of this post. But really, I needed to make this point clear.

I do not dislike Nadal. Far from it. In fact, I believe strongly that Nadal is a fantastic tennis player, and an amazing human being. He is a great champion too.

When I have gone out and defended Federer, it is not about Federer vs Nadal, but about Federer alone. Whether he should retire, whether he is falling from grace, whether his best days are behind him, whether he deserves to be on the circuit or not, these and such questions have come from different people, about Federer. And I have had my strong pro-Federer sentiments in all of these discussions.

But that is at no time, to say that I do not think much of Nadal.

Indeed, Nadal is an outstanding player, and his achievements so far, are a great testimony of his talents. Also I have read few things about his childhood, about his conservative upbringing, and his excellent value system. And that makes me feel very good about Nadal, the person as well.

If Nadal were to get injured tomorrow and not play any more tennis in life, he would have still reserved his place among the champions of the game. He has done enough to be placed with the many great champions of the game, like Becker, Connors, McEnroe, Lendl, etc.

But to be considered in the stratospheric space that is currently occupied by very few, viz. Federer, Samparas, Rod Laver and those grandest of them all, Nadal has a way to go. And God willing, at the rate he is going, he will join this select space too. But he is not quite there just yet.

And it is not about statistics alone. It is the impact left on the sport. The length of time for which the player has dominated the sport. And things of that kind.

So Nadal will probably get in to that select group. And I will be one of the first to applaud that position. Meanwhile let us enjoy his game, and his personality. Not being a tennis brat, and dominating the game, he can be a great influence on young and budding players.

Cheers to Nadal!