The 'Big Four' of Tennis
It would be fair to say that I started watching tennis
because of Roger Federer. Tennis was alien to me ten years ago. I didn’t even know
that ‘love’ had a different meaning when pronounced on a tennis court. But
watching Federer play was enchanting. It felt like poetry in motion. Ten years
down the line, I have become an ardent fan of tennis and I realize that I was
fortunate to have watched the ‘Big Four’ play in their prime. I am not sure
where I read that phrase for the first time but I do know that it suits the
four well.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray
have enthralled tennis fans for a decade. Most sports including tennis see the
rise of stars every decade. To quote examples in tennis, there was a decade of
John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors. We also had a decade dominated by
the likes of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. But the Big four of tennis stand
unrivalled due to their contrasting styles and character. I shall rather not go
into the debate of the ‘Greatest’ as perception varies from one fanatic to
another. But it is agreed by most people that the rivalry we have among the Big
Four is the most celebrated of all.
(Photo Courtesy: Siegrid Saldana)
Federer was special because he made the game look so simple.
During an interview I remember his physio recounting, “Federer is a rare player
who has so much variety in shots. If most players can speak two or three
languages in tennis, Federer is one who can talk six or seven.” But this
capacity of inherent ‘genius’ doesn’t take away the amount of hard work which
he puts in to use his abilities. Considered by most experts as the GOAT –
Greatest of All Time, Federer’s speed and game on grass is second to none. His
forehand which has 27 variations is a perfect mixture of elegance and
precision. Federer’s movement on court is the most sublime of all.
Rafael Nadal was considered only as Federer’s nemesis during
the years 2005 – 2007 when Federer was prevented from winning the French Open.
But from the year 2008, his game and achievements has created a hug fan following
throughout the world. Nadal is fondly and rightly referred to as ‘the King of
Clay’ for his brutal dominance on the surface. His left handed whipping forehand
is possibly the only shot which could repel a Federer’s forehand assault. His
game was on embodiment of muscle and power. He was possibly the only champion
to return to peak form following so many injuries.
Novak Djokovic is possibly the most hated champion, the
primary reason being his achievements against Federer and Nadal. To be honest,
I still remember saying to my friend when I saw the man play on grass, “You are
not supposed to slide on grass, this is Wimbledon!” But hatred didn’t prevent
the man from winning 10 Majors inclusive of 3 Wimbledon titles. Novak’s athleticism,
acrobatics and humor on court aided with determination makes him one among the
legends. I have lost count on the number of times he has won the match after
facing a losing situation. His place in history is sealed as a heroic challenger
who took on both Federer and Nadal head to head. He still has plenty of gas
left in the tank unlike Federer and Nadal.
Andy Murray is the most discredited among the four because
he doesn’t have enough majors to his credit. The man known for his hard work,
stamina and counter punching abilities have challenged all the three on court
on many occasions. I still remember his interview during his rise when he said, 'You need to train really hard. What will make the difference will be the performance in the 5th set. You need to push the limits.' The fact that he ended Great Britain’s drought for winning
the Davis Cup and a Major clearly shows the impact he has had on the sport.
If one goes through the statistics and winning percentage which
these four had had in the last decade, one wonders what separated them from the
rest of the pack. The rivalry among them is celebrated by tennis fans all over
the world because each person offers brilliance in different forms. If Federer
serves a powerful serve, Djokovic counters it with his returning abilities.
Nadal’s angled forehand is put back into play by Murray’s counterpunching.
This also has to do with each one’s behavior on court. When
Nadal grunts when he whips, you hear only the sound of the ball hitting the
racquet on Federer’s side of the court. While Murray gets stressed out on
court, you see Djokovic having fun when something odd happens. Rivalry is immaterial
outside the tennis court. Though there have been reports of displeasure among
these players they have dismissed allayed such allegations never existed.
Ten years down the line, the Big Four would have eventually
retired from tennis. Maybe their places would be taken by a new generation. Tennis
might produce a different breed of players with time. But it would be a very
rare occurrence if future produces players who can have the fan following and
celebration as the Big Four of tennis enjoyed.
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