Roger Federer's Decline Signifies New Era of Players: Are There Any Excuses?

"The sun never sets in the British Empire." That was said by some pompous people within the British Empire's borders, its kingdom wealthy, generally happy, and technologically advanced.  But the same quote can be said of Roger Federer, who was claimed by critics, including me, as a Bjorn Borg in young, an Andre Agassi in old.  As time passes, though, Roger Federer's struggles have lingered longer and more severe.  

Federer had hired Paul Annacone in hopes to revive his slightly dwindling career.  After all, Annacone was one of Pete Sampras' coaches, a teacher in support of attacking the net.  With a new, improved gameplan, Federer and Annacone had good results right away.  Federer kicked off the summer hard court season with showings in the finals of Toronto and Cincinnati, winning the latter.

Though Andy Murray won the US Open Series, Federer was by far the favorite coming into the US Open, and Federer started his first few matches with the authority of making it to the championship match the last six years.  Federer withstood the heat and adjusted to the win, by far the best.  Going into the semifinals, only Novak Djokovic stood in the way with a date with Nadal, a final long time overdue.

But alas, Novak Djokovic had different ideas, outclassing Federer in a five-set thriller.  That left some wondering where Federer's stamina was.  Wasn't Djokovic that guy who doesn't have enough energy for marathon matches?  Yes, but Thursday was an exception.  Djokovic did become exhausted in the finals, allowing Nadal to further solidify his ranking, fortify his status as an all-time great, and most of all rise above destiny.

Were there any excuses for Federer's loss to Djokovic?  The press conference that was held was certainly a disappointment for New York tabloids.  Unlike at Wimbledon, Federer didn't attribute his loss to an injury, but as a world class athlete, his sportsmanship soars above many other lesser players.

I think having a wife and two babies distracts Federer.  Don't be surprised if Federer writes a memoir, and a certain part alludes to a lack of sleep because of crying babies.  Maybe Federer has realized the importance of being a father, as in family before other things.  And with more things on his mind, Federer has less time to practice and train.

Roger Federer may not have made any excuses, but expect that there were.  A final, quarterfinal, quarterfinal, and semifinal showings at the four Grand Slams of the year is an excellent result for a normal top 10 player, but Federer, though just World No. 3, is no ordinary man.  He is the magician.

He is the magician who has cast a spell upon himself, whether knowingly or unwittingly.  But nevertheless, if you have the time, go to the beach, and spend the evening there.  The sunset that you see maybe the last you will ever see of the magician Roger Federer.