For all the doubting, for all the name calling, for everyone who said Roger was done and couldn't win anymore. For everyone who said that Rafa was the greatest thing ever...I believe it is time for an apology. Roger won his fifth straight US Open this week, and looked good doing it. So for everyone who wants to call this a down year for Roger, think about what you're saying. Yeah, it was a down year, but how would you like this for a down year? 1 major semis, 2 majors finals, playing in the greatest tennis match in the history of the world, 1 Olympic gold medal, 1 major championship...
Wow, he must really suck...
While I agree that it was a down year, just think about the standard that he set for himself. Roger is the greatest tennis player ever, and anyone who gets in front of a mike agrees with me. Be it Novak, Rafa, Andy Murray, or Johnny Mac. Everyone knows this guy is the greatest, and he has a long way to go before he is done.
Now, he probably has to make some changes if he wants to dominate again, and it is not all that likely that he will, given his age, and the ability of one Rafa Nadal. But if he takes care of himself, and continues to be able to get out on the court, he is not only going to pass Pete's record for majors, he is going to shatter it.
And I am going to make a really bold prediction right here, and right now. He will finally get Rafa at the French in 2009, and here's the big one...he WILL win the Grand Slam next year. He will have his training back to normal this year, after missing a good hunk of it last year with Mono, and he will dominate the Austrailian to get his fourth Austrailian, then shock Rafa at the French, and reclaim his dominance at Wimbeldon, and continue his dominance at the Open.
I say that, because frankly, there are 2 majors a year where you know that Rafa will not be a factor. For how special a player that Rafa is, his game on the hard courts is just not improving all that much. Lest we forget that Rafa also has all sorts of health issues as well. First of all, Uncle Tony makes him play way too much, and second, he plays on every surface as if it were clay. That absolutely distroys his knees!
2009 is the year that Roger solidifies his position as the greatest that ever was, and ever will be. He will train harder, play less, and be ready at each and every major, and will claim all 4. All he needed was a little confidence, and the gold medal, and the Open championship gave it back to him. I think we are about to see some 2006-07 Roger Federer again.
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