THE AUSTRALIAN Open threw open numerous bylines, setting up an exciting year in Tennis. It starts and ends of course with Roger Federer, who in dominating fashion set himself up for a season Grand Slam. With Nadal seemingly still on the recovery road, this may be the first and last time that Roger could enter the clay court season as a dominating favorite.
This tournament and season however, is not just about Roger. Increasingly, the depth in Men’s tennis is becoming apparent, and this year’s Australian Open showcased not just the top talent in Men’s tennis, but also gave one a preview of things to come. Besides the obvious contenders: Murray, Del Potro, Nadal and Djokovic, this was a tournament about youngsters coming to the party. Tsonga and Cilic especially seem like legitimate contenders for Grand Slams in the near future, and their brand of exciting tennis is likely to enthuse avid tennis fans who might have been pondering on the viability of a generation without Federer, and a semi-fit Nadal.
Interestingly, besides the apparent domination of Federer, this could be the year where he might suffer the most losses he has in a season for almost an entire decade. It simply will be difficult for him to contend for tournament after tournament where each step of the way he’s likely to be tested. In recent months he has suffered losses to Murray, Djokovic, Del Potro, and Davydenko, and these losses, although they take nothing away from Roger’s aura, are likely to be the norm rather than the exception. And, while he is still likely to be an overwhelming favorite at Wimbledon, it’s likely that he will be tested each step of the way by all-court players with the speed and strength to cause Roger problems.
Needless to say, at Roland Garros, even though Roger enters as the defending champion, he likely may not be the favorite if Nadal recovers to full fitness, and Del Potro, Davydenko, Soderling and Djokovic to name a few, put up a decent showing.
The fact remains that men’s tennis is deep, and this is an extremely exciting time for it. Factor in the records that Roger is setting, and it is also likely to be the most lucrative phase in a long time for the sport. Any sport with an elite front-runner who nevertheless is challenged frequently, is a bankable option. The PGA has had it’s golden era for this very reason. For a change, tennis has its own set of Furyks, Goosens, Harringtons, and of course Mickelsons to contend with its own version of Tiger, and this is why Tennis is the sport to watch out for over the next couple of years.
Roger is likely to hit 20 Grand Slams sooner rather than later, but equally likely is the fact that there could be numerous maiden grand slam winners over the next few years.
All said and done, tennis is set for positive returns, especially if one factors in the rise in quality of Women’s tennis as well. With the return of Henin and Clijsters, there is a viable alternative to counter the power and speed of the Williams sisters, and with two Chinese women in the semi-finals of the first grand slam of the year, Asia is finally seeing a strong presence in Tennis.
Not to mention India’s own Leander Paes, who seems to be a doubles juggernaut and perennially contending for either the Men’s or Mixed doubles titles, along with Mahesh Bhupathi.
While one hopes that Roger continues along his winning ways, it is with significant curiosity that one ponders who the next dominant player in Men’s tennis will be. Nadal, Djokovic, Del Potro, Davydenko, Cilic, Tsonga, Soderling, Roddick, the list is long.
Just don’t expect Roger to hand over the mantle any time soon. And revel in the glory that becomes him and what he does.
The author is a Sports Attorney with J. Sagar Associates.
