Life is a Game…

Federer and Nadal are involved in one of the world’s most fancied sporting rivalries. Many consider that it is better than that of Bjorn Borg – McEnroe or Sampras – Agassi rivalry. The intriguing matchup is further spiced up by their contrasting styles. A stylish right-handed Swede against a left-handed Spanish workhorse.

Federer held the World no.1 ranking from February 2004 to August 2008. A Spanish sensation named Rafael Nadal stormed into the scene and made the second place his own from July 2005 to August 2008. Nadal even quipped once that he is the world’s best Number 2. But that was not to be. While Federer had been winning titles for fun, he could not win the elusive French Open. He was beaten by Nadal in the finals of French Open for four consecutive years.

The era of Nadal’s dominance began two years back, when he beat Federer on grass. Then he humiliated Federer on clay when he beat him 6-1 6-0 6-3 in the finals of French open and he capped it by winning the Wimbledon with a five set thriller. By winning the Olympic Gold medal, he ascended the throne as World no.1.

Their rivalry is much more interesting because of their outlook. For Federer, a tennis ball has to be given due respect – silky touches, slashes, placement, etc dominated his play. But as far as Nadal is concerned, nothing can match the sheer power. He banks on cross court backhands, mighty grunts and heaves, hitting the turf to such an effect that the opponent runs for cover.

At the end of the day, it’s the viewers who profit from this contrasting matchup and let’s hope that this rivalry continues to bring the best out of these contemporary greats.

Roger Federer is tied with Pete Sampras for the most number of Grandslam wins. The Wimbledon Championships are about to begin and Federer’s nemesis, Nadal is out of the tournament with an injury. Does this present Federer a great chance to etch his name in history by winning an unprecedented 15^th slam?

May be yes, may be no. With Nadal out, Federer will not be concerned about his opponents. The likes of Del Potro, Monfils and Davydenko might have tested him on clay but on Grass he’s still the king. He has just won the French open and he is getting his rhythm back. In yesterday’s press conference, he regretted that Nadal has pulled out, but deep inside his heart he knows that this is his biggest chance.

But then this is a potential banana skin situation. Without Nadal, he may not have the motivation to give his best. He may have to face Djokovic and Murray at some stages of the tournament. Murray has been in sublime form and that showed when he lifted the Queen’s cup last week. Djokovic is more of a form player and if he’s on song, it’s difficult to beat him.

Whatever may be the case; this is the best opportunity for Federer to win his 6^th Wimbledon title and the 15^th Grand Slam, which will undoubtedly make him an all time best!

It’s official. Defending champion and the World no.1 Rafael Nadal has pulled out of Wimbledon with a Knee injury. He wasn’t at his best in the French open and that clearly showed when he lost to Soderling. He picked up that injury in the semifinals of Madrid masters.

It’d have taken a lot of pondering to take this decision. Missing the chance to defend your title will always hurt you. But in the long run, this injury might be a blessing in disguise for Nadal coz he need a break. He has been playing non-stop tennis for two years and his playing style is such that every muscle of his would be stretched to its strenuous limits. He makes his opponents run for money and in the process he failed to take care of his body. Now, his body says Enough is Enough.

Nadal is only 23 and he has already six slams to his name. Federer hadn’t won a single slam at 23. So this rest is a much needed one for Nadal. This break will not only help his rehabilitation but also’d give him ample time to reassess his strategies. He is mentally drained and a short stint in his hometown Mallorca will serve him well.

And finally, as they say only a defeat will help you relish what you have won and Nadal will certainly be back as an improved player. If you don’t think so, write Rafa off at your own peril.