The World knew this would happen one day and the inevitable has happened at last on the Sunday, 7th June. The all time great of tennis reiterated that he is the best in the business. The Swiss master with his magical wand, expunged the ludicrous doubt about his legendary, with the win at the Roland Garros. Completing the Career Grand slam, he also equaled the long awaited record of 14 Grand Slam of Pete Sampras.
The Supremacy of the Swiss master has now become unquestionable and unparalleled as the record speaks for itself. The Clay victory, which evaded not only the Swiss, but the American, for all these days, clearly proves the preeminence of the former over the latter.
Even this victory does not seem to convince some of the sport’s critical enthusiasts for one reason or more. Evidently the win does not come by beating the King of Clay, or by not dropping a set or by winning a match long before winning the toss, as it was the case with the maestro, years ago.
None of them happened in Paris in the past fortnight, yet that does not seem to fade the brilliance of the Swiss Star. Not claiming the title, by beating the reigning champion, as the one that happened in the dramatic final of the 2008 Wimbledon, is no way a hick-up for his legendary. If that is to be considered, he’s proved that he is better to his arch rival in defending the titles at least till the finals. In Paris, Mr. Perfect was losing sets, yet importantly, he was winning matches, when seeded players fell like leaves of the autumn. All the soft, stylish touch of the ball, the great forehand, the slice, that was missing all through the 2008, was seen throughout the tournament.
Even with the loss, all these years, he clearly established the fact that his legacy is the ultimate. Being the runner up in Paris, thrice, and losing it only to the champion, is itself a feat. Even the King of Clay would himself find this as a feat to achieve!
The number, though, clearly takes him above the all time legends of Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, could not be the only measure for his greatness. And if one considers the number, then it is really impossible to appreciate the true colours of the Swiss maestro. The All time Great comparison would not be meaningful, as tennis has evolved greatly over the years, thanks to ever growing technology.
Having said that, there must a scale to pronounce the supremacy, because it is this quest for supremacy the world thrives for, at least the tennis world. Numbers, Style, Unparalleled dominance over the game, (having lost each others’ dominance in their respective courts, the historic rivalry between Nadal still needs a litmus test) all are in the favor of the Basel Baron. But it is not complete.
Swiss Master’s accomplishments are still incomplete without breaking the Sampras’ tie. And the Spanish Bull is fast, thirsty and has all the ability in the right proportion to dethrone him from his empire. Also a Golden Slam has to find its place in the emperors’ grand cloak. The Paris win should have shown the winning way, he traveled all the years and missed the route for a brief period!
The FedEx has restarted the journey of success and has found the Legacy that was lost in London but found in Paris!
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