Fedex and Rafa

This week, Rafael Nadal takes over from Roger Federer as the new top ranked guy in Men's tennis; The Numero Uno. Though I am a staunch Federer supporter, I am happy for Nadal, because he's worthy of the position that has come after a lot of hardwork. He had been trailing behind Fedex in the second spot for 160 weeks now. So no doubt that he deserves the accolades being showered on him. In the midst of all this, the focus has now shifted from Fedex. His recent form slump has resulted in critics labelling him a spent force, and doubts are surfacing if he would ever regain his past glory, go past Sampras' 14 grand slams and ever win at the Olympics and the French open. Spent force? Well certainly the facts below should be speaking for themselves. I came across these from the ATP website.

For starters, Federer has reached the semi-final of the Australian open and the finals of the other 2 grand slams this year. His Wimbledon final against Nadal is already being called the greatest game of tennis in the open era. He now holds the record for the most consecutive weeks at no 1 - 237; The second in line is far behind with 160. w.r.t other statistics,
Aces 3rd position - 461 in 55 matches
Second server points won, 2nd position - 58%
Service games won, 3rd position - 88%
1st serve percentage, 15th position - 65%
1st serve points won, 5th - 77%
Break points saved - 66%
Points won returning 1st serve - 33%
Break points converted, 21st position - 42%
Points won returning 2ns serve, 8th position - 53%
Return games won, 10th position - 28%

So why is this being called a serious slump and fedex being written off? Probably the standards are different for different people. This which looks like a no mean achievement, is bad from Fedex's standards. Its not the fact that fedex is losing more matches this year - and that too with players, whom he used to dismiss them with the wave of a wand - its the way that bothers more. The federer-on-court, ever composed has started showing mortal signs, on-court emotions, frustrations and helplessness. Is it age which has caused a deterioration in his armoury? Certainly not. Both of these player are pushed to the limit by each other, trying to find that one spectacular shot, to explore that small chink in the armour to out-do the other. Its probably more to do with the Mind. Rafael Nadal has gotten to him, his mind. The best of duels are fought more in the mind, than on the field (remember the australian strategy in Cricket?) and this moment Fedex is intimidated by Rafa. Ultimately this has to be overcome if he needs to achieve greater heights. And I do hope and pray that he returns stronger, both mentally and physically, next year and this rivalry continue for some time to come.