Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer Becoming Greater Than Tennis Itself

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have had another great year filled with history.

They met in two important finals, each winning one.

They have both equaled or broken records and they have both finished the year in the No.1 and No.2 positions for the sixth consecutive year.

However this will not last forever.

Nadal, because of the physicality of his game, will always have injury problems.

Federer, even if he IS still playing at the highest level, is 29 years old. Even his most loyal fans will agree that Fed is in his last stages of his career.

So what happens to tennis when these two greats leave?

They are by far the biggest draw and two of the most popular sportsmen in the world.

Just take a look at their fan numbers on their twitter and facebook accounts.

They have built so much momentum for the sport that when they leave their presence will be sorely missed.

True tennis lovers will always follow the game, but Nadal and Federer have done what very few ever manage—break down barriers and borders.

Think of it this way—When you watch an individual sport, like tennis, you usually back the person who is from your country in an act of patriotism.

This was evident in the 1990's when Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi had the biggest fan bases in the United States, but when they came to Europe to face the likes of Becker, Henman or even Ivanisevic, it all changed.

The fans of Sampras and Agassi became like needles in a haystack.

The huge fan bases of Nadal and Federer do not limit themselves to Spain and Switzerland.

Even if they're playing in a foreign country against a local lad, they still get broad based support.

How have they done this?

By being stuck up, controversial and demeaning like most superstars?

No. they have done it by being good, respectable people and massively talented at the same time.

Have you ever seen such ambassadors in any other sport?

Wherever they go they are respected, and no one ever has anything bad to say about them.

Their rivalry, character and talent have managed to make tennis arguably the second or third biggest sport globally, trailing only Football and maybe Formula One.

They have managed to integrate themselves into foreign cultures and folklore.

Roger Federer has had his face put on a Swiss stamp.

Rafael Nadal has had his name given to an asteroid.

Tennis, for quite a few years now, has revolved around these two athletes.

In 90% of tennis discussions one or both of their names will be mentioned, and many times tennis becomes secondary. Instead of focusing on their games or talents, fans focus on their character and nuances.

When these giants of the game leave, so will the audiences, until someone else carries the fire.

Sadly there does not seem to be anyone who can do that at the moment.

It has already happened in the WTA.

When Justine Henin retired from tennis three years ago women’s tennis suffered.

Add this to the fact that Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters only play a few tournaments a year and you understand why most stadiums they play in are half empty.

Hopefully men’s tennis will not follow in the path of the WTA.

The men’s game has always managed to replenish itself throughout the years, but it will be a huge task to fill the shoes of Nadal and Federer when they finally decide to call it quits.