Answer for Jimmy Crack Corn

Jimmy Crack Corn writes:

Hey Bod,

Do you believe your boy Federer is still the best in the world or has Nadal overtaken him? I thought Ndal had it firmly 6 months ago but what Federer has done recently will rekindle the argument. However, please reference Nadal at 100% health.

My feelings on this situation are complicated. Federer right now is the best in the world, but that is due to the injury of Nadal. With Nadal at 100% it is clear that Nadal wins a majority of the time. However, I still believe that Federer is the better tennis player and arguably the greatest of all time. Nadal's style of pure strength and athleticism is not one that can be maintained for many years, as shown by his latest injuries. Federer's style, on the other hand, is more fluid and one that can be and has been maintained over many years. Nadal will have to adapt his game in one way or another if he wants to stay on top. Hard court is his worst surface, and so the US Open will be a tough challenge for him, both on his knees and on his game.

In the end, every player has their weak points, even Federer, and Nadal's style exploits each and every one of said weak points of Federer. Nadal will forever be an asterisk next to Federer's the greatest tennis player of all time.