Federer’s Redemption – Five Time US Open Champion
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Flushing Meadow, New York – Roger Federer set his own high standard for excellence when he went on an incredible run, picking up 12 grand Slam titles over five years and holding the World No.1 ranking for four years. Since winning his first Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2003, Federer won at least two Grand Slam titles per year (in 2004, 2006 and 2007 he took home three).
In 2008, Federer failed to defend his Australian Open title when he lost to Novak Djokovic in the semis. His career worst Grand Slam final loss ever came at Roland Garros and his most heartbreaking loss was a five set epic at Wimbledon – both defeats where executed by Rafael Nadal who also managed to wrestle the No.1 ranking from Federer’s tight grip at the conclusion of the Beijing Olympics.
To say Federer’s 2008 season was a trial is no understatement as coupled with his setbacks the Swiss maestro faced an unprecedented stream of criticism as well as speculation of whether he was on the decline. That Federer lost to the usual suspects – Nadal and Djokovic – this season was fine. That he had an uncharacteristic high quota of weird losses in ATP tournaments to unusual suspects (Mardy Fish and Gilles Simon no less) and suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of James Blake at the Olympics all but contradicted Federer’s outward calm and seemingly unconcerned nature and had tennis bettors perplexed.
Nevertheless, with his US Open victory this week Federer salvaged his year. His lone Grand Slam title came when he defeated Andy Murray in straight sets on Monday.
Federer’s victory at the US Open brings him a fifth consecutive title in Flushing Meadows, making him the first player in history to take home five consecutive titles in two different Grand Slams: Wimbledon (2003-07) and US Open (2004-08). Federer now holds 13 Grand Slam titles just one shy of Pete Sampras’s all time record of 14.
Prior to the US Open Federer’s domination was relegated to the past. More than a few were ready to write him off permanently. That he weathered the storm of criticism, transcended setbacks and battled mononucleosis, shows us he is human, vulnerable and real. His inexhaustible will to win cannot be denied. Heck, the Wimbledon final (lauded to be the best ever in the history of the game) was a testament to that desire as he (and Nadal) gave everything they had and more on the luscious lawns of the All England Club. How quickly people forget. Yet, almost just as quickly, he gently reminded us how good he really is.
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Do I think we will see the Federer of old dominating the Grand Slam scene as he once did in 2009? Perhaps not! But is he done filling his trophy cabinet? Ha! Not a chance! Federer is a creature of habit. He has made a habit of winning and rewriting history and I expect that next year he will take the history books to task once again.
Pete Sampras once said “if he could win (at least) one Grand Slam title a year, I know it has been a good year for me.” Sampras won three Grand Slam titles after his 27th birthday. Federer only just turned 27 and already has more Grand Slam titles than Pete had at the same age. Makes you wonder how many more Federer can win if he continues to play well into his thirties?
Check out the Tennis Futures for the 2009 Australian Open, 2009 French Open and 2009 Wimbledon all ready available at BetUS Sportsbook.
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