The Title

I don't really like blogs yet but I know that I hate twitter. Despite its ubiquity even in sports broadcasts, Twitter seems extraneous so I refuse to acknowledge it’s existence. This blog on the other hand, has a purpose. I will use this blog to explain an inflammatory statement that I made after Roger Federer won Roland Garros and that statement shall be the title of this blog. But really, I assumed Soderling would lay down to Federer just as he did when I saw the two play in Paris, so I anointed Federer a “Paper Champion” before the match. Let’s be real, The Fed needs to conquer his perfect storm that is Nadal at Roland Garros, not Madrid, to be crowned GOAT.

Today (well technically yesterday by the time I post this) The Fed was proclaimed GOAT after his 15th Grand Slam title put him past Pistol Pete for most GST all-time. Even in an age of hyperbole, it must have been the 2nd greatest match ever played, after last year’s epic final, of course. Roddick put up a fight a but he doesn’t have the huevos to take The Fed. He’s just the second straight scrub Federer walked over in a GSF. No disrespect to Andy Roddick, but he’s really just a huge server who slaps forehands, muscles backhands, and botches volleys. That’s all the game he needs to be a top tier pro. The Fed, on the other hand, has touch and creativity that was probably evident at an early age. [Insert a maestro virtuoso composer da Vinci-type metaphor] That’s the foundation of greatness in tennis, basketball, or soccer. I'm talking about an unrivaled feel for the game, part geometry, part artistry.

Arod is a great player but he can only dream of the stuff The Fed pulls off. Arod played the match of his life and lost. This is hardly adequate competition for the rising GOAT in a GSF. Put simply, he must beat the best, to be best, as they say in the boxing world. People won’t remember who he played or the circumstances, only the magnitude of the record-breaking victory. But I will. I saw Michael Jordan play once and it was the one of the worst games of his career. Speaking of, I wasn't a fan of the Nike commercial with all the other GOATs and Pistol Pete that played immediately after The Fed dropped to his knees in a heap of joy and relief of monkey-off-the-backedness after his astounding demonstration of persistency. Anyway, I will always remember who The Fed faced and the situation. With that said, I would have preferred to see him take on someone capable of beating him, maybe Andy Murray. Sorry Arod, but what’s your record against The Fed and what was the score in the 2nd set breaker? I know you had a complete make-over and you're in such a good place in your personal life but it wasn't enough. I don't favor either player, especially their personalities, not that I know them personally. Federer reveals his repressed greed in the tears and outbursts that dismantle his pretentious facade in times of duress. Roddick is a prick. I appreciate the games but I dislike the players. Is it wrong or sadistic to long for the taste of Federer’s tears of despair after a GSF loss? Bummer Roddick couldn't open the flood gates today.

So Fed, I'm calling you out! Get ready, the pressure isn’t off just because of 15 slams or the birth of your child. The field you so easily trounced en route to your previous slams is no longer awestruck and deferential. They’re hungry and you’ve been exposed. They’ll show up for every point and try harder than ever before. You have some real competition now just like the greats of the other eras had. You’ll beat most of them anyway, but that’s not what matters. You’re now fighting to erect your legagy and decorate it with gold trim and RF emblems because the people haven’t yet spoken. Fedra, I'm allowing you the opportunity to actualize your Roland Garros title, Career Slam and cement your GOAT status next year when you face the best. Until then, you’re still flimsy product of circumstance, a “Paper Champion.”

What I liked:

1. Roddick's whiney and incredulous retort to The Fed's consolation during the victory speech at 5:59.
2. The lady behind Pistol Pete had her shirt undone. Hmmm.

What I didn't like:

1. Pistol Pete's Nike sunglasses. Tacky.
2. The Fed's track top with, guess what, an embroided "15". Yeah nice. Check the vid at the end.