Three modern tennis greats Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are at each others throats for the past decade. A never seen before rivalry between the three during the same era, with a sum total of 54 Grand Slam titles between them, is astonishing.
What makes them tick
The ability of all the three players to play on any surface and a competitive streak in them has helped them keep the competition at bay. With no one close to them as far as their ability to win grand slams is concerned it has become a three way race to who will finish on top of the list.
Time is running out
One of the modern greats with 20 titles under his belt, Roger Federer leads the pack. Age is catching up with the Swiss International. He is finding it increasingly difficult to win Grand Slams the way he used to during his prime. Nadal on clay and Djokovic in grass are giving him tough times.
In one of the best Wimbledon finals that went close to five hours Roger Federer failed to close the match inspite of having two championship points in the fifth set. Djokovic showed tremendous fighting spirit and calmness to stretch the final set to a tie-breaker thereby winning the final.
It is a altogether a different story at the French Open where it is a one horse race. Nadal has no competition with 12 titles to his credit
How long will Federer continue is anybody’s guess. With the last Grand Slam, the U.S. Open coming next, Federer who will be 38 next month will be pondering over retirement like the way Dhoni who is his age is doing right now.
Fitness a concern for Nadal
If there is one issue that has dogged Nadal throughout his career is his injuries. After his record 12th French Open, a one sided win over Federer in the semi-final, Nadal once again failed to get going at the Wimbledon. With age by his side he needs to keep his fitness intact to catch up with Federer as far as Grand slam titles is concerned. With 18 Grand Slam titles at his disposal Nadal would target the U.S. Open next month and get past Federer next year.
Djokovic at pole position
Djokovic has age and fitness going for him. With 16 titles, Djokovic is at the prime of his career. His ability to win Grand Slams at will and being the youngest of the three he would fancy his chances with no major injury concerns. His fight from the dead in the Wimbledon final showed his grit and tenacity.
Fascinating duels awaits the fans
With 54 titles amongst them and no one close to their sight, it will be interesting to see who finishes on top of the tree. Whoever it may be, it would be a fascinating duel among three modern greats who refuse to give in, thereby keeping the men’s flag flying high in the coming years.
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