Earlier this winter when Rafael Nadal was making his quest for the ” Rafa-Slam “, hoping to hold all four tennis majors concurrently, I was struck by an interesting thought as it pertains to tennis.
Assuming Nadal is the best player in the game, and that’s a big assumption when Roger Federer is still Roger Federer, the thought is why is there seldom more than 2 at a time at the top of the sport.
Nadal has Federer.
Sampras had Agassi.
Borg had Connors, then McEnroe, then Lendl.
But in the history of men’s professional tennis, has there ever been a moment when there were 5 guys, or 8 guys, who were all great and equally capable of winning a Grand Slam title.
There probably has been a time like that, but it just seems from my vantage point, it’s always been one top dog and one tremendous contender.
Almost hockey-like where Howe passed to Orr who passed to Lafleur who passed to Gretzky who passed to Lemieux who passed to Crosby.
Yes, there have been other great players over the last 50 years in hockey, but always one great player.
Maybe there’s only room for one ultimate superstar in hockey and tennis.
I’m Fred Wallace