Roger Federer: Australian Open Loss Proves FedEx Is Over the Hill

Roger Federer has done great things on a tennis court throughout his career. He has won more Grand Slam tournaments than any men's tennis player in history. However, against Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open semifinals, it was painfully obvious that Federer is no longer the player that he used to be. 

Nadal has always given Federer problems for whatever reason. His career record against the Spanish superstar is 9-18, an astounding mark for someone who has been as dominant as Federer. 

It was the way that he lost this match, however, that proved something was not right. Federer looked lost at times, and he had no way to counter anything that Nadal was doing. 

There was one point, following a short break for some fireworks, literally, where Nadal won 11 straight points. That is not something that ever happens to Federer. He is still a very good player, but he is no longer the great player that we are so used to seeing. 

In fact, the only reason that Federer was able to make it as far as he did is because of the lack of depth in men's tennis. Novak Djokovic and Nadal are clearly the two best players, but after that there is a drop-off. 

Andy Murray is better than Federer at this point, despite being one spot behind him in the rankings. After that, there is no one on the tour that you would consider an elite player. 

Federer will be able to cruise past the weak for now, but when he gets into matches with Nadal, Djokovic and Murray, he is going to struggle. His skills have taken a significant hit over the last two years. He has reached his physical decline, which happens in tennis when you reach your late 20s. 

At 30 years old, Federer has been able to hold off a significant decline for a while. His legacy as one of the best players in the history of the sport is secure, but we have seen the last of him as a dominant player on tour. 

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