So in tennis most writers feel the need to take exception
with the current ranking system and formulate their own make shift rankings. A
practice that I don’t share the same enthusiasm for. Why have a system that
seemingly holds true to form 90% of the time just to scrutinize it when it may
not be favorable to popular opinion once every so often.
Wozniacki was the latest to test the limits of my
frustration in this matter. When she slipped to number 2 I was so relieved. Not
because I have any issue with her, in fact I am a fan of hers but because of
the constant media bombardment contesting her number 1 ranking. The way I see
it, if the rankings show you are number 1, YOU ARE NUMBER 1! With that, it
should be honored and uncontested. Otherwise what is the point?! All it does is
discredit the game. This grand slam fascination is ridiculous. Sure it shows
that one man or woman has risen to permanently etch their name in the walls of
greatness but I am sorry, to me, Caroline Wozniacki is a far better player than
Thomas Johansson who won the Australian in 2002. Not to mention a great
ambassador for tennis which I believe is rather important when labeling a
number 1. Sure its not results driven and in no way am I saying that you cant
be number one unless you are marketable, all I’m saying is that, if you are,
bonus.
If it’s all about slams then the debate is done, Federer is
the greatest of all time!!!! No more arguing the fact that players weren’t allowed
to compete some slams due to belonging to other tennis bodies such as World
Team Tennis or that many opted not to take part in the Aussie back in the 70’s
and 80’s, heck Agassi played his first one 8 years into his career. Slams are
the glorious pinnacle of this sport but not the end all and be all. If so then
are we to say that Petr Korda is as great as Andy Roddick?
That being said, right now, is Federer the real number one
in the sport? Haha joking, kind of… I am not questioning the rankings especially
after Djokovic’s amazing 2011 all I am saying is that heading into tournaments
are players hoping to avoid Djokovic or Federer right now when the draws are
announced?
Djokovic is the Aussie champ and no way am I taking that
away from him but unlike last year, especially in the semis and finals of the
2012 Australian, he looked like he was hitting up hill as opposed to last
season. Granted, he still got the job done which says a lot. But now there have
been some failures enroot to the next slam. By comparison, this time last
season his aura was that of invincibility and though beating him now will still
take an exceptional effort (Isner) it just seems doable. If ever there was a
time when Nadal would like to have a crack, this is it.
Speaking of Nadal, if you are counting it is now 10 months
since the former number one has won a singles title. Not since last years
French! I know, crazy! He will bounce back. Clay is coming and he is not done
yet. That being said, one has to wonder if he should struggle on clay this
season where it will lead him. Whether he finds his way or continues to
struggle, by his standards, he is clearly not in the debate right now of “who
is number 1”
So who else besides the defending champion of just about
every tournament this season, old faithful, Roger Federer. What more can be
said about this guy? What does he think he’s doing? That may be a thought in
Djoko’s mind perhaps Murray and Nadal as well. “Go away and let us enjoy our
primes you greedy bugger:” Though they’d never admit it, I’m sure deep down the
gang in their mid 20’s is perhaps thinking it.
Federer is running the tables so far. three titles on the
year along with three titles to end the 2011 season. Two out of three wins on
his nemeses Nadal, and the year end Masters title. His only two losses since
last September, which was a half a year ago, was to Nadal in the Aussie and
Isner in Davis Cup (which I hardly count, just a personal opinion) Two losses he
promptly avenged in Indian Wells. Federer and his camp have clearly implemented
a new weapon to his game, “the 06”. A James Bond-like sounding plan. Its as if
a switch was flicked and the decision to play like the 2006 master was kicked
into gear. Never mind his age, what Federer is doing is providing the tennis world
which is probably only a few million more than the Federer fans a chance to see
him rehash his brand of dominance. An “in case you missed it” gift.
Federer is mighty close to catching Nadal in the number 2
slot but all of a sudden his hope to reclaim number one is not looking as
optimistic as once imagined but more realistic that most would have admitted.
Clearly he is the man to beat right now based on his play and how on Earth can
that be a logical statement based on all that Djokovic has done in the past 12
months? The season is long and we will see how it plays out but right now its
looking like 2011 has graduated to 2006 somehow and if we know one thing about
Federer, when he gets on a roll, he is deadly. That roll is right now heading
300 miles an hour downhill. Luckily for some, there is a giant pile of red clay
fast approaching ready to halt if not slow him down. Should be interesting.
Once again all respect to the current and deserving number 1
player in the world, until he loses it, he owns it. To those who throw out the
stats that Djokovic has won four of the last five slams, you are absolutely
correct. I’d be a fool to argue that point and don’t even wish to try. I will
say one thing, and it’s only something to keep in mind and that is, since Federer
started this 6 month run only ONE slam has been played.
