The Impossible Year

Every year, the slate wipes clean and the tennis community - spectators, analysts and players alike - wait to be impressed. 2011 was clearly paved by the current world #1, Novak Djokovic. In addition to holding the greatest YTD record of 64-2 and becoming only the 6th player in the open era to win 3 Grand Slam titles in a calendar year, Djokovic has claimed the title of the youngest man in the open era to have reached the semifinals of all four Major events, both separately and consecutively. That said, are we impressed?

Each of us seems to have a different definition of what is impressive. Some are impressed by folks who can accomplish something they never will. Some will not deem a person impressive until total events are actualized. And others find nothing impressive about anyone who simply is not the best.

While Nole won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, do we so easily forget that Roger Federer accomplished this same feet in 2004? And 2006? And 2007? On top of that, he was by far the second best clay-courter, losing only to the best in the finals four times. That said, can we leave Rafael Nadal away from the discussion of impressive? The man began competing in in the French Open in 2005 and did not lose a match there for four straight years. And he hasn't lost at the French since his one outing in 2009.

Both of these men have won all four Grand Slams and have been the indisputable pioneers of the game over the last decade. This year, Djokovic beat them both. He achieved the impossible year. Will the record ever be repeated? No. Can Nole make a similar run in 2012? Unlikely. Regardless, we all probably agree to see Roger and Rafa deep in tournaments next year. Each of us can decide who, if any, is impressive...

The Lost Round

Rolling into the second week of the year's final Grand Slam tournament, the lack of play over the first 7 days has seemingly taken center stage over the displays of brilliance around the National Tennis Center.

Commencing with Robin Soderling before play even started, 17 additional pros have retired from a 2011 U.S. Open match before the end of the 3rd round. Many players in the past have talked about the unique challenges of the U.S. Open, from noisy fans, to the choking traffic delaying their commutes, to the distractions of New York City. But none of those complaints can explain any of the fallen. While none of us can or should assume the severity of any of the retirement-causing injuries including muscle pulls, cramping and food poisoning, it is rather telling that each concession came while the player was already behind in the match.

Roger Federer, who has conceded merely one match in 973 over his illustrious career, has been forthcoming in his skepticism, questioning, "Could some guys finish the matches? I'm sure, but they didn't decide to. It's shocking to see so many retirements. For me it doesn't matter how bad I'm feeling, I will be out there and giving it a try, because you never know what's going to happen."

Not only do the retirements make us wonder what could have been for those players defeated in a prior round, but also begs questions upon both the negative and positive impacts on the coming week. For instance, former world #1, Juan Carlos Ferrero, triumphed through two grueling 5-setters only to be handed a third round victory over Marcel Granollers. Granted, the short time on court was certainly appreciated, JCF's abilities are not to be questioned and, as such, a true victory may appear more valid.

Aside from Ferrero, both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have been handed wins before their third round matches. Is that even fair? The two most highly favored to take the crown need not receive a free point from a double fault, let alone a complete walkover.

Even though the need to string together a series of 7 consecutive wins makes a fluke victor unlikely, it is still difficult to accept so many retirements. As the Round of 16 begins, we've already lost more than a round's worth at 18.

Formality

Tonight our champion, Rafael Nadal, began he quest to defend the U.S. Open crown. On the other side of the net stood Andrey Golubev, one of Italy's young hopefuls. The match was expected to be one of cliches, much like Roger Federer's the night before.

While being broken once, Nadal still handily accepted the first set in 41 minutes. And then the fun began. Andrey opened the second set with any early break going up quickly to 3-0. The young Italian was open, taking full advantage of every ball Rafa left slightly short on the court. Regardless, a few loose points helped Rafa break back to 2-3 -- things were back on track for the greatest front-runner to roll right along.

Well, maybe not. Golubev immediately broke Nadal at love! And that game began every bit of drama Nadal was surely hoping to avoid in an opening round match at a Grand Slam. Golubev somehow dug himself into a 15-40 hole. He followed it up with a couple unimaginable volleys to level the game at deuce. Let's add in an ace to get to an advantage and then a simple smack of a short ball behind Nadal to pull out the hold. 5-3. Nadal easy holds and forces the Italian to serve for the set.

Upon the side change, Rafa oddly changed rackets even though he had just served with new balls. Golubev seems unphased, racing to an easy an 40-0 but then throws in his 5th double fault. Ah well, with 2 more points for the set, that's when you do it I guess. The next point was easily Rafa's though, with Andrey hesitating on his movement in to the net. 2 set points wasted and then nets his third. Deuce.

Tightening up as the game continues, Golubev seems to be in trouble. But promptly dismisses any nerves with an ace (though challenged by Nadal)! Advantage G. Urg, but then he goes for broke on a wiry forehand and misses. Deuce. Largely clear that the kid just does not seem to know what to do on the big points. Finally Andrey hits a winner and it's immediately followed by a beauty by Nadal right up the line. Back to deuce! Such drama continues and, eventually, Nadal breaks back. No exaggeration of a lost opportunity here. We have to imagine the match is all but over with the looming tiebreaker and third set merely played as a formality.

The match continues with much of the same exasperation. Though Nadal is not necessarily one to be beaten, especially by a man who held a 17-game losing streak earlier in the year, Golubev certainly had his chances to dethrone Rafa while being up a break in the first set, holding 7 set points in the second and somehow capturing 2 breaks and an opportunity to serve for the third set. Even with the impressive display, the board still chalked up a straight set victory for Nadal.

An Open Too Open?

This year's United States Open stands to overcome a number of challenges. Aside from the possibility of sever delay as a result of the looming doom from Hurricane Irene, the 2011 U.S. Open may prove to be the first major disappointment in the last 10 years of phenomenal talent.

Since 2008, the top four male players have been the same: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Federer has likely left his superb peak, but a moderate year for him is one for which most would salivate. Nadal is going nowhere. Even though he has not been able to conquer Djokovic this year, Rafa have dominated the rest of the pack all year. Murray may very well surprise us as he did earlier this year in Melbourne, reaching the Australian Open final. However, Andy has the toughest draw of the top 4 and may, easily, be taken out by Stan "the Man" Wawrinka in the third round.

In fact, it was this past AU Open which gave us all a small glimpse into the future -- and boy it is bleak. Simply put, a field led by Novak Djokovic is just not as exciting as one led by Roger or Rafa. While Nole has garnered the best YTD season (57-2) ever, he is not yet the #1 who enters a tournament as either a fan favorite or the public's winning pick. Not the case with either Federer or Nadal. Essentially, this year's draw seems promising enough for any entrant -- quite a bit like each of the women's tournaments over the last few years. Who would be surprised if the fiery Fernando Gonzalez, calm Ernests Gulbis or lone American hope Mardy Fish took the title?

Even still, either of our regularly scheduled champions always has a perceived chance to win any slam. In fact, that's my pick, inspired by the law of averages: Roger-Rafa final with Fed coming out on top. It's been long enough.