If there wasn't a good enough argument supporting Roger Federer's case for being the "Greatest Of All Time" already, then the Swiss' victory at the elusive French Open on Sunday sure made matters easier. Some though, are not convinced just yet. I believe that comparing eras is almost impossible to do. Imagine if Rod Laver had been able to compete from 1963 to 1968. Imagine if Pete Sampras had been playing when 3 of the 4 Grand Slam were played on Grass. Just imagine the amount of top spin Bjorn Borg could have generated with a titanium racquet as opposed to a wooden one. Would Roger Federer have lost his Wimbledon title to Rafael Nadal last year if grass courts were as quick as they were in the 80's? Honestly, I could debate this topic for hours. In fact, I could probably do it all day, but because I don't have all day, and I'm sure you guys don't either, I'll do my best to sum up the argument.
Roger Federer
The Swiss equalled Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam trophies on Sunday when he won the French Open. He also became just the 6th man ever to win all 4 Grand Slam titles, something Sampras failed to achieve. Federer currently has a streak of 20 consecutive Grand Slam semifinal appearances, double the next closest player in the category. Federer reached 10 straight major finals from Wimbledon 2005 to the U.S. Open in 2007. Roger was number 1 for 4 and a half years (February 2004- August 2008) and with a top 10 finish this year, will have finished there for 7 straight years. FedEx has won the Masters Cup 4 times and has 14 Masters Series titles. A downfall to his argument is the fact that he has failed to compile a winning record against his greatest nemsis, Spaniard Rafael Nadal. Federer is 2-5 against Nadal in Grand Slam finals and 7-13 against the world number 1 overall.
Rod Laver
Laver, a lefty out of Australia, played in the 60's alongside Ken Rosewall, another legend. Laver completed 1 of the rarest achievements in all of sports, a calender year Grand Slam, in 1962. He did it again, to everyone's amazement, in 1969. Laver was not able to compete in the years between these feats, but if he had, most fans know hat the Aussie could have racked up another 10-15 major titles to go along with the 11 he realistically owns. Unfortunately, we will never know how dominant Rod could have been. Laver is tied for 3rd on the all time list for most majors, and has almost no downsides to his case or G.O.A.T.
Pete Sampras
Pete Sampras is without a question the king of grass. The American won 7 Wimbledon titles in his pro career, but failed to make if farther than the semifinals at Roland Garros. Pistol Pete won 5 U.S. Opens and 2 Australian Opens as well, giving him an ending total of 14 major titles. Sampras' serve is often regarded as the best shot in tennis history and he had a winning record against his greatest rival, Andre Agassi. Pete also had the toughest competition to play against. Sampras competed with Agassi, Jim Courier, Stefan Edberg, Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker and Goran Ivanesevic. Sampras' dissapointing results on clay often are the reason he is not considered the greatest ever. Sampras' most stunning statistic is most likely his 6 consecutive years ending the year at number 1, a record unmatched by anyone in men's tennis history.
Roger Federer
The Swiss equalled Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam trophies on Sunday when he won the French Open. He also became just the 6th man ever to win all 4 Grand Slam titles, something Sampras failed to achieve. Federer currently has a streak of 20 consecutive Grand Slam semifinal appearances, double the next closest player in the category. Federer reached 10 straight major finals from Wimbledon 2005 to the U.S. Open in 2007. Roger was number 1 for 4 and a half years (February 2004- August 2008) and with a top 10 finish this year, will have finished there for 7 straight years. FedEx has won the Masters Cup 4 times and has 14 Masters Series titles. A downfall to his argument is the fact that he has failed to compile a winning record against his greatest nemsis, Spaniard Rafael Nadal. Federer is 2-5 against Nadal in Grand Slam finals and 7-13 against the world number 1 overall.
Rod Laver
Laver, a lefty out of Australia, played in the 60's alongside Ken Rosewall, another legend. Laver completed 1 of the rarest achievements in all of sports, a calender year Grand Slam, in 1962. He did it again, to everyone's amazement, in 1969. Laver was not able to compete in the years between these feats, but if he had, most fans know hat the Aussie could have racked up another 10-15 major titles to go along with the 11 he realistically owns. Unfortunately, we will never know how dominant Rod could have been. Laver is tied for 3rd on the all time list for most majors, and has almost no downsides to his case or G.O.A.T.
Pete Sampras
Pete Sampras is without a question the king of grass. The American won 7 Wimbledon titles in his pro career, but failed to make if farther than the semifinals at Roland Garros. Pistol Pete won 5 U.S. Opens and 2 Australian Opens as well, giving him an ending total of 14 major titles. Sampras' serve is often regarded as the best shot in tennis history and he had a winning record against his greatest rival, Andre Agassi. Pete also had the toughest competition to play against. Sampras competed with Agassi, Jim Courier, Stefan Edberg, Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker and Goran Ivanesevic. Sampras' dissapointing results on clay often are the reason he is not considered the greatest ever. Sampras' most stunning statistic is most likely his 6 consecutive years ending the year at number 1, a record unmatched by anyone in men's tennis history.
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