2008 has been a year of great results even without glandular fever. Semifinal in one slam, finals in two more, and triumphant at the fourth. He won titles at Estoril and his beloved Basel, and reached finals at several clay court events. Remember the state of his health, and yet he won doubles gold at the Olympics and led the Swiss to Davis Cup success.
Only Rafa exceeded these results and he has won nothing since he took the No 1 spot. And his body gave out well before Shanghai.
By every measure, Roger has excelled. And there’s another beacon shining forward to 2009. He has played some of his best tennis in the last months of the year.
His dismissal of Djokovic and Murray at Flushing Meadow was achieved with some of his best shot-making this season—the trademark of power, sublime touch, and grace united in one supreme package.
The same quality permeated a magnificent display against Nalbandian in Switzerland. And his play in Shanghai was as good as any I’ve seen. Had his back and his depleted system allowed half a dozen of his usual serves, he would have won—and against the only player currently on the tour with an all-round game that comes close to Roger’s.
Another thing that has struck me since I returned home to review my hundreds of photos from Qi Zhong is that, despite the back pain and the tiredness, Roger actually looked extremely fit. He was playing long, long rallies and running down drop shots and drives with ease.
The muscles, though they clearly began to hurt more as the match went on, looked lean and highly defined, most particularly in the legs. The torso was finely tuned; the skin was blemish-free; the hair fulsome and glossy. All good indicators of underlying health.
Remember, too, that Murray crashed out with exhaustion as a result of this energy-sapping match. Roddick could not complete the tournament, so Djokovic, who had made little progress since the summer, had enough resources to win the event. If Roger can perform like he did with injury and illness, woe betide the rest of the field in January.
There are questions about how Roger will approach the next year, how he will begin his Australia preparations, whether he will reduce his media commitments. There is no question, though, that after his winter rest and recuperation, he will come back strong.
Yes, the challengers will also be rested, hungry and keen to maintain their gains. A handful are on a rising curve and still improving: not just Murray but also Simon, Tsonga, maybe Monfils or Cilic.
If Nadal stays injury-free, his game is still developing. If Djokovic can sort out his stamina and endurance, he too will be a huge threat. But Roger's appetite will be sharpened by the fresh incentive of regaining his top ranking and grand slam titles. And don't underestimate the joy he clearly derives from playing—and winning.
So roll on 2009. It’s going to be a cracking year for men’s tennis.
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