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.