After a year without a grandslam, many tennis fans, experts and players are doubting the future for 20 time slam winner Roger Federer. It seems unlikely that after a year of winning three tournaments the Swiss star would be described as “Washed out” or “On his decline”, but it seems any time Federer loses he is immediately doubted. Now the skepticality may be sparked by his usual extreme success, but the main doubts have come to the table because Spaniard Rafael Nadal is one grand slam away from Federer’s record and Serb Novak djokovic only three behind Nadal. This has led a majority to the conclusion that because the two are five and six years younger, they will ultimately catch and pass Federer by the end of their career. I think it’s time we put a halt to these critics, take a step back and assess the situation with logic because any knowledgeable tennis fanatic would know there is no way Federer will be passed. 

Nadal’s game relies on his speed and his strength. Standing about four feet behind the baseline with a looping topspin groundstroke, Nadal’s strategy is “live to see another day.” His intense fit and athletic body allows him to fly around the court and return every ball into play until his opponent misses. Similarly Djokovic uses his extreme flexibility to reach for each ball and return it back to the opponent. These features have been the source of their combined 35 majors, but will be the features that end their career and prevent them from catching the GOAT. With age Nadal and Djokovic will begin to deteriorate. Nadal’s muscular body will wear down as he loses speed and Djokovic’s body will tense up and descend down to a normal flexibility range. Meanwhile, Federer will thrive. 

Contrary to the other two, Federer’s game is ageless. Centered around strategy, and the “one two punch,” Federer’s intentions are to finish the point as fast as possible. He will direct an opponent one way with an accurate and punishing ground strokes or serve and redirect the next shot straight to the opposite side out of reach. Little running or reaching are needed for his success.  Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have won all twelve of the last twelve grand slams so once Djokovic and Nadal fade out Federer will be practically uncontested. The young generation brings talent but have consistently struggled against Federer. If Federer could win twenty grand slams in an era where he had to deal with Nadal and Djokovic, just imagine what he will do in a time without them.