Able to leap tall tennis nets in a single bound. More powerful than an Obama campaign speech. Faster than a speeding hooker at a stag party. It's a bird. It's a plane. It's Rafa, the man of -- clay?
So it appears. Nadal just won his 9th French Open on the clay courts of Roland Garros. This is his fifth title in a row. What's truly astounding is Nadal has only lost one match -- ever -- at the French Open. That was 5 years ago in 2009. Before that, he had won another four titles in a row. In all, Nadal has won 66 of 67 matches at that venue. This is an incredible feat, likely unmatched anywhere else in the world of sports.
Combined with his 9 French Open titles, Nadal has won a couple Wimbledons, US Opens, and an Australian Open, giving him a "major" total of 14. He's currently tied for second place all time with the retired Pete Sampras in that department, trailing only Roger Federer's 17.
But here's the thing. Nadal just turned 28. While in the world of elite pro tennis that age might be considered as being a bit long in the tooth, consider Federer will soon be 33. Granted, though he still has serious game, Roger appears to be on the back side of his career bell curve. He last won a major tournament (Wimbledon) in 2012 at the age of 30, and may well never win another one. The competition is just that brutal and the really talented young studs keep on emerging from various places on the planet.
The difference between 28 and 33 in the tennis world is huge. It's almost like having a dog. If your canine is 10 years old and still active, it's likely slowing down a bit. If it lives to 15, it's in doggie geezer world. Five years can make a big difference in dogs and tennis players.
Yet at the "ripe old age" of 28, Nadal finds himself the #1 ranked player in the world, and likely has a few very good years left in him before the Father Time of tennis starts slowing him down. And Rafa wouldn't have to be off his game much for the ever-present thundering herd of wannabes to pass him by. Federer is just beginning to taste that and Nadal's time will come as well.
Nevertheless, if he can keep his pesky back problems under control, Nadal could well win 3 or more majors in the next few years to become the Jack Nicklaus of golf. Like the Golden Bear, 18 is the magic number.
Along that line, Nadal has the same 14 major tennis victories as Tiger Woods does in golf. Once thought to be a lock to pass Nicklaus' major title record, there is now serious doubt whether Tiger will ever win another one. Though golfers can remain competitive on the world stage into their 40s, Woods is now 38, still recovering from surgery, and it's likely a fair statement to say most have become highly skeptical that he can ever catch Jack. Eldrick hasn't won a major in 6 years, when he was 32.
On the tennis side, much has been made of Serb Novac Djokovic. He's certainly a dominant player and has been ranked #1 himself. But an important stat jumps out, actually two. For all his incredible talent and play over the years, Djovic has only won 6 major titles. And at 27, is a mere single year younger than Nadal. As a hugely popular player, Djokovic might be likened to Phil Mickelson. Lefty has won 5 majors. Both are future Hall of Famers to be sure, but neither has a prayer of setting any all time major records. Too late in the games of tennis, golf, and life for that. Did I mention the merciless and perpetual thundering herd of young studs that continue to nip at their heels seeking their own glory?
For now, all hail Rafael Nadal, once again the French Open champion. The man is sitting on top of the tennis world, and deservedly so. He's that good.
And oh my. How much Nadal has going for him. He's pocketed millions between playing tennis and endorsements. As a dashing "young" Spaniard, this rascal has the ladies drooling over him everywhere he goes. We get that, and more power to him.
But note to Rafa. Yes, besides the speed and blistering ground strokes, you have perfect teeth as well. We get that too.
So stop nibbling on the trophies already when you win to show off your flawless choppers. That act is getting old, and the ladies don't need any more encouragement.....
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