Fallen Federer
This is a bit of old news, but it’s still news nonetheless and I feel I must talk about it.
Roger Federer.
Yep, you see where this is going already, don’t ya? What’s happening to the big kahuna? I’m theorizing here, but I’m going to guess in about a week, R-Fed isn’t going to be numbah one any more. Federer got dumped out of Toronto in the first round by Gilles Simon. The first round! By Simon!
It’s been real. It’s been fun. But I think the cruise control is about to get the brakes slammed hard core on it. Rafael Nadal is playing phenomenally well - still. He just knocked off Richard Gasquet and will face Andy Murray who is coming off a huge mental win with a victory over Novak Djokovic.
But Roger? What happened? Did losing Wimbledon just completely demoralize him, make him lose confidence, slip into a shadow of his once impecable form? I still love watching the guy, but the cracks opponents were beginning to see and take advantage of at the beginning of the year have now become gaping chasms.
I’m sad. But at the same time, I’m very interested to see who will step up and pick up the slack. I don’t know if Rafa can sustain the awesomeness as long as Federer did - I think the opportunity for a little shake ‘n bake of the top royalty will make for some good fireworks.
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3 opinions for Fallen Federer
mircea
Jul 27, 2008 at 1:15 pm
fallen angel. sad but true. The beautiful painting Federer mastefully crafted was demolished by Nadal, slowly, ruthlessly, inevitably. Will Federer ever paint another masterpiece? Only time will tell. I certainly hope so. A genius like Federer deserves to go out better than losing to players like Simon
Erica
Jul 27, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I agree completely - Federer was the best for so long that it’s really hard to see him lose to players like Simon. Even though Federer may not be the best player on the circuit anymore, he’s certainly much more amazing than he’s been playing lately.
mircea
Jul 28, 2008 at 7:23 am
Sometimes, we get caught in the moment. Nadal’s moment. How long will it last? Go back to what Federer said after he lost to Djokovic in Australia: “I’ve created a monster.”
It wasn’t a monster it was a masterpiece, based on the most fluid and beautiful tennis ever seen, outside of Edberg’s serve-and-volley game. So yes, Federer created the highest expectations in the history of this sport. We should be grateful for his accomplishments.
Next question. Is Nadal another teen phenomenon like Wilander, who once he becomes #1 will not have the stamina or mental fortitude to stay there? Possibly. Will Nadal’s body give up on him? Possibly?
In as much as it is hard to say goodbye to Federer’s golden era, let’s welcome in the second half of his high-wire act. Federer will be back and will outlast Nadal.
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