The Extraordinary Age
Concrete Elbow by Steve Tignor
07/12/2010 - 2:52 PM

Recurring knee injuries could make this number much lower; we’ve always said Nadal's style was hard on him, and it’s already robbed him of potential major titles. But so far it hasn’t sidelined him for an extended period. He keeps getting back up, and I’d expect this pattern to continue. At the same time, Nadal could be entering a period of Federer-like, two-Slams-per-season period of dominance, which would make his career total higher. Whatever his final number, I think it will be lower than Federer’s final number. No matter how young he is, eight is going to be a tough number to erase.

Judging from the past, the one thing we can count on from Federer and Nadal is that the guy who is being counted out is the guy we need to watch out for. In July 2010, that guy is Federer. In the race for Grand Slam supremacy, it’s Nadal. If they’ve taught us anything, it’s to look forward to the extraordinary.

Let me just say that I always look forward to Mr. Tignor's work. But lately I have been reading his articles especially after Roland Garros 2010 He seems to be losing that touch he once had, He use to speak so eloquently, he was ahead of everyone else, he had a different perspective on each player & now his article here sounds the same as any other writer comparing Federer & Nadal. As a fan of Rafa & I have a great amount of Respect for Federer,why must we compare? Why can't we just admire what Federer has done & what Rafa has achieved. I want a new perspective on what Rafa is doing & i think if any of these up & coming writers were smart they get hip to it & the youth would most likely have a all new favorite.

waiting & hoping to encounter & read something inspiring to match the man we love so much...a writer exciting as Rafa..