Roger versus Rafa

[Chelsea4thewin]

so what if federer had won last night

he would be the best ever???

i still dont feel Nadal wiped Federer off the court in any way, if Federer had not made some silly errors at cruicial stages he could of had that game, even in the first few games of the last set he looked the better player, just his feet seemed to stop in that sixth game and he didnt recover from that point

it was not the Federer we have seen throughout this tournament, Nadal's pressure had something to do with it but to me it looked like he wasnt making the correct decisions, he should of used the slice backhand more so Nadal couldnt use the pace of the ball with his court speed

just my opinion i still think Federer is the better player

[maccatak11]

i think federer IS the best player of all time already. he has the most complete all-round game ever seen on a tennis court, and he can do things no other man has ever been able to do - and he has been beaten in 5 grand slam finals by nadal. which is why i also think that nadal is ONE of the best ever.

[stevo]

There are probably two slightly different arguments going on here IMO, or perhaps two slightly different angles to take in the argument of who is the "best" tennis player ever.

Federer is probably the best naturally talented and skilled player there has been in terms of all round tennis ability (Sampras would probably be equal in that respect also). Federer can play an all court game and can match it with the best in each facet of the game (i.e. he can match the best baseline players, volleyers, and servers etc.).

Nadal comes from a different angle in that without a doubt he is the best competitor there is, and he would be unmatched I reckon in terms of his mental toughness (something that Hewitt also excelled at in his day). Nadal also has some of the best ground strokes in the game, but unlike Federer he doesn't really have a great all court game (don't get me wrong his serve and volleys are still pretty damn good but just not up to Federer's standard).

Obviously you can't argue with Federer and Sampras' record of amount of wins etc., but Nadal is still young and may equal (or perhaps surpass) their record in the future.

So....

Federer - one of the best tennis players ever because of his actual tennis shot making and skills, but doesn't really have the mental toughness of Nadal.

Nadal - one of the best tennis players ever because of his mental toughness and ability to play the big points well under pressure, still has an awesome "game" but probably not to the level of Federer.

If you could combine Federer's all court game with Nadal's mental and physical toughness and his huge topspin forehand then I think you would have the best tennis player ever!

[Scotty]

One component that separates Rafa from Federer and Sampras is his ability to win (read:completely dominate) on clay.

Sampras only managed one SF appearance in his career at Roland Garros, and although Federer has made appearances in the French open final, has, and probably will, never win that grand slam.

[David]

Some people are lucky there's a major on clay.

[Scotty]

And most people are lucky that hardcourt tennis was introduced.

[Chelsea4thewin]

Nadal is a hack

[Scotty]

Nadal can win majors on every surface.

Therefore ... Nadal > Federer & Sampras

[stevo]

Nadal can win majors on every surface.

Therefore ... Nadal > Federer & Sampras

Yep, Nadal is a gun on any surface, bring on the ice grand slam

[bennymacca]

Nadal can win majors on every surface.

Therefore ... Nadal > Federer & Sampras

if you look back on this comment in 10 years time, you will probably be right