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After an amazing performance in the semifinal, it looked like Roger had found the level he needed to win Wimbledon. He really looked like the Roger of old, a Roger that we haven't seen consistently since at least 2009, and only in smaller and smaller doses since. But a combination of the fact that he simply couldn't maintain that level and that Novak is a better player than Murray led to his loss. Very disappointing for Roger and his fans (but congrats to Novak and his!).
I can't help but wonder if this will be remembered as the last real chance Roger had at winning a major. I know, he's still #2 in the world but the window keeps narrowing. I honestly don't think he can beat Novak in a Slam final; anyone else, maybe. But how many more chances will he get? He's made it to five finals in the last six years, so we're talking less than one final per year. He's going to be 34 at the next Slam. I think also there just isn't the weakness in the tour that allowed someone like Pete Sampras to win a last Slam in 2002 or Andre in 2003. In 2002-03 there was no equivalent to prime Novak Djokovic blocking the way, or ever-hungry Andy Murray. Hewitt wasn't on that level and Roger wouldn't be there for another year or so.
So here's what I fear: The fire will be out of Roger after this one. I don't like to speculate in this way, but can't help but feel it to be a strong possibility. I don't expect him to retire, but I wouldn't be surprised if this was his last Slam final and that while he'll play through this year and next in order to get one more shot at the Olympics, today's loss may be too hard to fully recover from. I suppose there is always hope that Novak is upset earlier on, but right now Roger must feel that he simply doesn't have what it takes to beat him on the big stage.
Or maybe I am just projecting my own disappointment and loss of heart? :cry :snicker
I can't help but wonder if this will be remembered as the last real chance Roger had at winning a major. I know, he's still #2 in the world but the window keeps narrowing. I honestly don't think he can beat Novak in a Slam final; anyone else, maybe. But how many more chances will he get? He's made it to five finals in the last six years, so we're talking less than one final per year. He's going to be 34 at the next Slam. I think also there just isn't the weakness in the tour that allowed someone like Pete Sampras to win a last Slam in 2002 or Andre in 2003. In 2002-03 there was no equivalent to prime Novak Djokovic blocking the way, or ever-hungry Andy Murray. Hewitt wasn't on that level and Roger wouldn't be there for another year or so.
So here's what I fear: The fire will be out of Roger after this one. I don't like to speculate in this way, but can't help but feel it to be a strong possibility. I don't expect him to retire, but I wouldn't be surprised if this was his last Slam final and that while he'll play through this year and next in order to get one more shot at the Olympics, today's loss may be too hard to fully recover from. I suppose there is always hope that Novak is upset earlier on, but right now Roger must feel that he simply doesn't have what it takes to beat him on the big stage.
Or maybe I am just projecting my own disappointment and loss of heart? :cry :snicker
Not being spiteful or anything :snicker
