Roger Federer: Swiss Legend's Loss Was Tennis' Best-Case Scenario

Calling a Roger Federer loss anything but a travesty is tough, but in this year's French Open, it was absolutely necessary.

Two of tennis' premier stars, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, needed to be in this year's final pairing.

Nadal is going for his record-breaking seventh French Open title, and Djokovic is trying to become the first player since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four Grand Slam titles at once.

History is on the line in Sunday's final, and a Federer victory would have eliminated that possibility.

Nadal has beaten Federer four times in a French Open final already. He holds a 12-2 career record against Federer in clay court matches. Overall, in Grand Slam final matches, Nadal has beaten Federer six out of eight times.

Rafa's dominance of the legendary Swiss player is well documented. Playing Nadal at this juncture in Federer's career would not have ended well, especially with Rafa's dominance over his previous opponents the past few days.

Let's take a look at why Federer's loss was necessary and preview this year's French Open finale.

Passing the Torch

Federer's 16 Grand Slam supremacy is slowly, but surely, in decline. His elimination from the French Open was disappointing, but a loss in the Olympics would spell something even worse.

Nadal is on the back end of his prime. He is 26, but has struggled with injuries intermittently throughout his career. Five, or six, more competitive years is probably an accurate estimate.

Then we have Djokovic. He is only one year younger than Nadal, but he seems to be peaking now rather than three years ago.

Saying Nadal isn't still peaking is a tough claim to make. He has completely dominated the competition at Roland Garros this year, and appears intent on passing Bjorn Borg for sole leader on the French Open's all-time leaderboard.

Federer handed Nadal the torch, and Nadal wants to hold onto it. Watching him defend his greatest claim, while holding that torch, will be captivating television.

What's at Stake in the Final?

Djokovic is trying to match a feat that hasn't been achieved in 40-plus years. Nadal is chasing a career achievement only rivaled by one of tennis' all-time masters.

Those are not small potatoes. This year's final French Open clash will carry tremendous weight on both players.

The last time Djokovic lost in a Grand Slam final was in the 2010 U.S. Open. He has enjoyed a tremendous season, but getting past Nadal this year will prove even tougher.

The talented Serbian has arguably the greatest groundstrokes in the game, but Nadal's athleticism and quickness works wonders on Roland Garros' clay surface.

After Nadal embarrassed David Ferrer in the first semifinal, Djokovic defeated Federer in straight sets. Both players will enter Sunday's contest ready and eager to entrench themselves among the all-time greats.

Two superb players with two unique styles are chasing unthinkable achievements. Isn't that better than watching Federer lose to Nadal again?