Federer no longer reigns

Minneapolis ^ | August 23, 2008 | DAVID WHEATON

[rhema]

It is with a tinge of sadness that I tell you, the Reign of Roger is over.

Never content with his domain as perpetual No. 2 to the would-be Greatest Ever, Rafael Nadal spent the past three years building a siege mound to the Federer Fortress. And in one historic summer it was fait accompli, trouncing Federer for the French Open title in June, wresting the Swiss man's beloved estate from him at Wimbledon in July and then garnering Olympic gold and glory last week in Beijing, all on three different surfaces.

This was no snipe and hope but rather plan, work, improve, and then invade and occupy with overwhelming force.

As for the sorrow, it stems not from the ascent of Nadal, a man who is a tribute to his sport, his family and his country, but rather from the unlikelihood that we will ever see such sheer and utter dominance of the game over a half-decade performed with such abundance of skill, artistry and class.

But it's also for Federer himself. Empathy for a 20-something with 12 major titles and $40 million in prize money might seem misdirected, but there's something melancholy in Federer's nature that indicates frustration ahead.

As a matter of fact, we've already caught a glimpse. Following Federer's loss to Nadal in the Wimbledon final, I walked from Centre Court to the players' area contemplating what I had just witnessed -- surely, the greatest tennis match ever played. Thousands of other spectators were doing the same as they made their way to the gates. There was a palpable buzz whirling throughout the nearly dark grounds of the All England Club that I will never forget -- "Federer's streak stopped at five! A new champion at Wimbledon! What a match!"

[rhema]

Minnesotan David Wheaton was a U.S. Open singles quarterfinalist and doubles finalist in 1990. A radio talk show host, author and speaker, he still competes in professional tennis events and serves as the touring pro at Wayzata Country Club. You can find out more at DavidWheaton.com.

[rhema]

Lest you think this is an obituary and are looking for a year after the hyphen, let me be clear that I do not think Federer is finished. A champion of his magnitude does not just go away. But there will be no more mind-boggling streaks, no more three-slam years; the road has and will become more challenging physically, and especially, mentally. Is he able to stay healthy and agile in the coming years? Can he overcome wavering confidence and withstand opponents' newfound belief? Will he scrap and claw like other mortals to gut out matches and realize that he actually needs to improve his game and strategy to turn the tables on Nadal, let alone break Sampras' mark of 14 majors victories?

[dfwgator]

No, Federer isn’t finished, but how can he stop Nadal?