All Hail the King (For Now)

No matter what language you speak, Roger Federer is simply "The King". The measure of greatness is championships won. Kobe and LeBron are not better than Michael because they do not possess six rings. Rafa and the Joker can win tournaments and raise trophies at slams, but until either of them can surpass the number 16, they are nothing more than princes to his throne.

Kings don't reign forever though. Roger Federer has been on tour for over a decade. Rafa, the Joker, and Murray are all at least six years younger than Roger. Federer is approaching the age of 30, which is close to retirement age for male tennis players. Age won't be a reason for Roger to retire. He is still a competitive player. He was beaten in four sets earlier today at Roland Garros by a man who has won six French Open titles. There is no shame to losing to a man who grew up playing on clay. Roger has only won the tournament one time, and that was when Rafa wasn't playing! Rafa is great on clay, but he is no Roger Federer. With that said, Roger Federer isn't really Roger Federer anymore. Age won't end Federer's career- lack of goals will.

Let's face it, Roger Federer has won more slams than any other man in history. Thanks to his French Open title in 2009, he owns a career grand slam. He has even won a gold medal in doubles at the Olympics. What else does this man have to prove? He has won every major tournament the world has to offer. The only thing missing from his resume is an Olympics singles gold medal. Roger said that he plans to play on tour in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games. One would bet on Roger Federer in that tournament for one very crucial reason- it's at the English All Lawn and Tennis Club. Federer owns Wimbledon like Rafa owns Paris. If Roger wins that tournament, I would not be shocked if he hangs it up after 2012. Realistically, 2012 is his last chance to really win a gold medal. He will be 34 when the Olympics head to Rio in 2016. Playing the games on his greatest surface (grass) presents his best shot at winning a gold medal.

Regardless, Roger Federer will go down as one of the greats in tennis history. Right now there are four great active men tennis players- Feds, Rafa, the Joker, and Murray. The Joker has already won in Australia this year and Rafa just won in Paris. It would be nice to see Murray win on home soil finally in London and then to see Roger get one last US Open Title before heading into his final season. Having Roger Federer going out a winner is much better than having him fade into oblivion. Congratulations to Rafa Nadal on winning another Grand Slam title, but until you surpass Roger Federer, you are nothing more than Kobe. You're pretty good; you're just not great.

* Roger Federer in Slams

Australia: 4

French Open: 1

Wimbledon: 6

US Open: 5 (all consecutive)

NOTE: In 2004, 2006, 2007 he won all but one of the slams

*Rafa Nadal in Slams

Australia: 1

French Open: 6 (Did not compete in 2009 due to injury- had he won it would be 7 in a row)

Wimbledon: 2

US Open: 1

NOTE: In 2010 won all but one of the slams

Djokivic in Slams

Australia: 2

NOTE: Two time finalist at US Open

Murray in Slams

NOTE: Two time Australian Open finalist and one time US Open Finalist