In every field and more so in sports people create history when they enjoy continued success over a period of time but in the case of Roger Federer there was a glorious exception. Roger Federer's loss to Robin Soldiering in the quarter finals of French Open created history because it broke a sequence of 23 consecutive semi final grand slam appearances.
After winning Wimbledon in 2004 Federer has been on a unbelievably amazing winning streak, a streak which can only be dreamt of but can never be achieved in any sport. Between 2004 Wimbledon till 2010 French Open Federer has won14 Grand Slams, finished runner up on 6 occasions and lost in semi finals on 3 occasions. The highly underrated Ivan Lendl and Rod Laverare a distant second with 10 consecutive Grand Slam Finals. Federer'sfeat is historic if one considers the fact all the four grand slams are played on different surfaces and in different conditions. While players like Sampras and Radal are known as grass court or clay court specialists, Federer on the strength of his achievements is an all time all court specialist.
In a sport like cricket players go through a golden run and the primary reason for that is due to the fact that the number of teams are limited and some players are lucky to be playing weak teams day in and day out and if one adds home advantage the task becomes much easier but international tennis is totally a different ball game where there is nothing like a home advantage and the competition is very tough. Federer's run of 23 consecutive semi final appearances indicates a high level of consistency which is the hall mark of a legend born once in a century. Feeder's golden run also speaks a lot on his fitness as he has never ever missed a Grand Slam during this period.
Rafael Nadal may win yet another French Open and probably even reclaim the number one ranking but Soldiering who has shut out defending champions in consecutive years is the more deserving player of the two to win the championship. However at the end of the day even the greatest criticis of Federest should admitt Federer is the greatest champ of all time.