Federer Falls!! What?!

Last week’s Madrid Tennis Master’s Series event was thrown for many loops. First, Lleyton Hewitt and Andy Roddick, obvious fan favorites, unexpectedly pulled out due to “foot injuries.” Then, by the quarterfinals, only four of the top sixteen seeds were left – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, and Fernando Gonzalez. All of them were playing very flat, so I expected someone out of the ordinary to win the entire tournament – exactly what happened! I should really win an award for my predictions, sometimes.

This tournament’s dominator? David Nalbandian. Ask my family, and they will tell you that I am not a fan of the guy for certain reasons, but I give him credit in this tourney. As Nalbandian has had a very up and down career, and most recently has been on the downside with a year-best of one quarterfinal, the Madrid title should boost Nalbandian’s confidence a little bit. What he did was incredible, too, knocking out all three top seeds to win the title, something Djokovic achieved a few months ago in Montreal. Before Djokovic, no one had done this feat since Boris Becker in 1994. Props to Nalbandian. Note that this will be the only time you ever see me acknowledge him.

However, let’s go to the guy on the other side of the net – Mr. Roger Federer. The Chosen One. God’s Gift to Tennis. He has so many names now that I cannot even keep track. Federer is hailed as becoming one of the greatest players EVER and I agree. Think about it. The guy plays a sick game that sometimes it is too good to watch. His form is so natural and so suave, his fitness is perfect, and his on-court stamina is classy and professional. He is the whole package and has TWELVE Grand Slam titles to show for it - passing up Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver and falling only two titles behind Pete Sampras.

Federer never ever really loses. Nadal was able to grab two French Open titles and Guerillmo Canas was able to get in his head a little bit, but Federer never seems to break a sweat and even drop a set. This year’s record: 58-7. Crazy impressive.

But, most recently, while Federer is still winning, he is dropping some odd sets with some sloppy tennis and I am noticing that the young, up-and-coming generation is beginning to challenge the tennis whiz. I know it sounds wrong, but I like seeing the guy suffer out there a little bit, getting nervous, or letting out a scream once in a while. Novak Djokovic beat Federer in Montreal over the summer in one of the best matches that I have ever seen. It was the new young versus the old master and Federer, visibly winded, fell to the energized Djokovic. I had never seen Federer so frustrated. Had to enjoy it!

Nalbandian also took The Chosen One down last week, as Federer was referred to as “walkabout” and “robbed” by journalists. On Monday, Federer dropped one lazy set to Michael Berrer in the opening round of his hometown Swiss tournament. He was also barely able to hold serve to win the match, too.

So, what is going on? Are we finding King Roger taking a little breather from his throne? It is still tough to tell – he IS allowed to lose a set or match ONCE in a while, I guess. Maybe Federer is beginning to slow down a bit and some other players will jump in and win some titles. I think that it will make the game a little more interesting. Not that I am complaining about Federer and his fantastic record and contributions to the sport. I love watching history! But, maybe, just maybe, the time has come for some other players to challenge The King a bit.

Who am I thinking? Here are my picks for some of Federer’s biggest threats. Watch out for them! They are young, fit, and ready for the challenge.

5. Sam Querrey – The 20-year-old American is already generating buzz for his dominating serve and big ground strokes. Querrey is just beginning and can only get better.

4. Andy Murray – He is working his butt off to become fitter and faster. I think Murray still needs to fully break through and win a few titles, but with Coach Brad Gilbert, it will become a piece of cake.

3. Rafael Nadal – I love Rafa. Who doesn’t? As the reigning King of clay, Nadal will be that one player who continues to strip Federer of his career Grand Slam at the French Open. While his hard court game can use some work, Nadal still will be Federer’s major rival.

2. Mario Ancic – Suffering from a never-ending case of mono is no good. Once Ancic becomes healthy, he is a huge threat to EVERYONE on the tour. He has upset so many top 10 seeds that we will see him in there very soon. With many small titles under his belt, the big ones will be coming.

1. Novak Djokovic – One of my personal favorites. He has the character, the energy, the mentality, and the quick shot-making that will challenge Federer the most in the years to come. You are looking at the future Number One, folks!