As the men’s final carries on early in the fourth set, I continue to struggle with picking one to root for. Do I pick the ultimate tennis player and living legend in Federer? Or my favorite upstart that’s actually playing great tennis (see Gulbis), and ready to break through? The silky smooth magician? Or the kid with brute, brute, brute force?

I love watching Federer triumph, add to his records, and become even more immortal. It’s enthralling, powerful, and makes you feel like you are watching something special…Because you are? Nothing lasts forever though, and like every great empire, there is the fall. There is that player that not only challenges, but capable of toppling the giant. Del Potro is just that figure. Not only can he topple Federer…He also thoroughly handed to a useless Nadal in the previous round. Nevermind Nadal’s injuries, Del Potro didn’t give Nadal breathing room. He can also topple Federer, and I suspect before Federer retires, he will destroy him on a court somewhere.

I believe Del Potro is the next man. If Federer didn’t exist, he was be ascending uncontrollably into top spot. He’s doing it as I type this too, now up a break, and dominating Federer in a fourth set burst. It’s an awesome display.

There’s another set to go though, and this is far from over. Never count a wounded tiger out, it’s when they are most dangerous. I suspect Federer will weather this storm into the fifth and we could be in for a treat of a finish.

Now Vs. The Future. It doesn’t get any better than this.

MarkOskar

Original post by Mark Oskar