A few days after the closest tennis match we have ever witnessed at Wimbledon between world number one Roger Federer and the newly crowned champion; second best tennis player Rafael Nadal; Another chapter of action is revealed as we approach the start of the Olympic Games in Beijing, China, this coming August.
Both Federer and Nadal players are aware of the importance of these Olympic Games; as it could mean a vital power shift from the Swiss star of 232 weeks in the top position to his Spanish rival; especially with the background that Nadal now follows after winning his fourth consecutive French Open title and his first Wimbledon on grass. If we’re going to take a look back a couple of months ago; there was Nadal, who at the time was struggling to close the place for his Serbian foil, Novak Djokovic, who was more or less standing on his toes. But in the blink of an eye things began to favor the young Mallorcan who deftly managed to pull off a hat-trick… winning the unthinkable.
Now we find Roger Federer looking over his shoulder; as Nadal has full confidence in himself to take the number one position once the North American hard court season starts. Nevertheless; the Olympics will determine whether the Swiss maestro’s quest for another run or whether Spain’s 155-week reign in second place will be suddenly cut short for a better finish.
For Nadal, the upcoming event in China is one of the most important steps in a professional tennis career, as having a gold medal is a completely different feeling than any ATP tournament. “Playing in the Olympics is very special, because when you are very young you always watch the Olympics on TV,” said Nadal, who will make his singles debut in Beijing after playing doubles with Carlos Moya in Athens four years ago. “You represent your country, that’s the same as the Davis Cup, but at the same time it’s completely different. When I play the Davis Cup I always have this great motivation and I think at the Olympics I’m going to have the same.”
On the other hand; Federer’s coolness about it after his losses at Roland Garros and Wimbledon gives us a lot to think about. There is something that has not yet been revealed and it seems that the 12-time Grand Slam champion is not willing to give up his position early or give in to adversity. The 2008 ATP season has been a real struggle for Federer, as he battled a very bad case of mononucleosis just before the Australian Open and it took him more than seven months to regain control of his game.
Federer has long hoped to win a gold medal and this could be the perfect time to do it; since in addition, being a career promoter for the tennis player, it will be an honor to play for his country and achieve such a victory. While playing in Beijing, Federer will celebrate his 27th birthday… and I suppose this could also be another good reason to aim for gold around his neck.