US Open Tennis 2011: Who Needs Federer When You Have Djokovic vs. Nadal?

As one era ends, another begins. We should embrace the growing rivalry that is Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, because the one including Roger Federer died at the US Open Saturday. 

Allow me to ride in the back of the Roger Federer bandwagon that took off at some point near Flushing Meadows Saturday. The Swiss legend has been one of my favorite players to ever slice up a tennis court. 

His battle with an exhausting schedule this year proved fatal in his journey to claim a major title in 2011. This year marks the first since 2002 that the star failed to win a Grand Slam. Such a record should be held in the highest esteem. 

His drubbing of Juan Monaco earlier this week was a poignant moment for all Federer fans. It was as if, for one moment, the classic, dominating Federer was back. 

We know better. 

At 30, we have seen the best that Roger Federer has to give to the sport. I will thoroughly enjoy seeing him attempt to defy Father Time in the next couple of years. I will, of course, be rooting for him. 

This is not a time to mourn. The streak may be over, but another rivalry deepens. As every tennis fan does, I feel it is good for business to have two players in their primes do battle many times a year. I fear the days of Rafael Nadal taking on Federer at Grand Slam after Grand Slam is over.

Life goes on as Novak Djokovic has emerged as a foil to Nadal, an affable and passionate player that can get the better of Nadal.

We have come to expect nothing but greatness from the Spanish legend. It's better for sports when a giant is tested and pushed to his limit.

Federer can no longer do it. Djokovic can. As the US Open turns to the men's final, we find a scene that has been presented to us five times this year, all in tournament finals.

That scene will be Nadal facing Djokovic. 

The wacky Djoker has the gall to have a 5-0 reign over Nadal this year, including at Wimbledon. Nadal is not the type to let such things go unnoticed.

I fear that one of the greatest rivalries in sport has seen the last great days of Nadal vs. Federer. We are so lucky to see the rise of another in Nadal vs. Djokovic. If it has even a modicum of the pedigree of the former, we will be spoiled little fans.