ROBIN WHO???

I've been waiting for four years to read the headline, "Federer finally takes Nadal on clay to claim his first French Open," or even, "Superstar Serb Djokavic ends Nadal's Reign in Paris."

Never in a million years did I think that when Nadal's first loss came on the red clay at Roland Garros (previously unbeaten at 31-0) that it would be to a man named Robin.

When I think of the name Robin, I conjur images of a young Michael Jackson singing the tweet tweet song. I think of a less-than-manly Errol Flynn swooshing into screen in green tights. But what I certainly can't picture, is a man dethroning probably the greatest clay court tennis player in the history of tennis.

Robin Soderling played what had to have been the match of his life. He dictated pace, he hit winners, he forced errors, and he even made the resiliant Nadal fall down time and again. Do I think the champ is dead? Of course not, the 6-time major winner, 4-time defending French Open Champ, and #1 ranked player will be 23 in a few days, far from over-the-hill. He will be back in full force, just not in the 2009 Open.

I have always loved watching grand slam tennis. I don't really play, nor do I watch other tournaments, but there is just something about the slams that I love.

I am, admittedly, a Federer fan. Have always loved the guy. I do love Nadal as well, but I am rooting hard for Fed to eclipse Pete and win a career slam. Even if he doesn't I will make the case that he is the best player to ever play. The arguments are all there against him, he can't win the French, he can't beat Nadal, etc, etc.

I could point out 13 majors, 5 wimbledon's ina row, or all kinds of other stats, but there is one stat that to me, may be the most amazing achievement in individual sports history.

Roger Federer has made 19 Grand Slam Semi-finals in a row...

...and he is still going. If he can get by Gael Monfils in a day, it will be 20. That is 5 years, 4 majors a year, making at least the semi's in all of them. (Let's not forget his streak of finals was at 10 when he lost in the semis of the 08 aussie open after a bout with mono, and has made the final of every one since.)

In my opinion, this is the most unbelievable accomplishment in individual sports, or in any sports for that matter. The only accomplishment I can even think that comes close is the Detrit Lions 0-16 season (soon to be 0-32).

Had it not been for Nadal (the only man to beat Fed in 4 years at the French), Roger would probably have close to 20 slams right now, would have undoubtedly won the Grand Slam (all 4 majors in a single year), and there would be no argument as to his spot in the annuls of tennis.

I will be rooting hard for Fed tomorrow night. I won't say anyone "deserves to win" because they have to win on the court, and he still has a tough draw to claim a title, but whether he wins or not, it is the belief of this nobody that he does deserve the title of best to ever play the game.

Be well!