MELBOURNE – The records keep on coming for the incredible Roger Federer. With a remarkable Australian fortnight, Roger has reached an astonishing 30 Grand Slam finals throughout his legendary career. Trailing behind him is none other than his biggest rival Rafael Nadal with 23.
Even if the Spaniard put together a couple of incredible seasons in the next 24 months, it would be very difficult for him to equal Roger’s record of 30 finals. Despite the struggles of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, Nadal would have to reach the final in the three remaining Grand Slams to be contested in 2017 and all four Grand Slams in 2018. That would be too much to ask even for a great champion like Rafa.
If we look at the number of Grand Slam titles won, Rafa – with 16 titles to his name – is in better position to threaten Roger’s record at 19 – possibly 20. Considering that Rafa will continue to be the overwhelming favorite at Roland Garros in the next two or three seasons, it would be more feasible for the Spaniard to equal Roger’s titles count than finals count.
The media has been talking about Roger’s extraordinary statistics and records to keep the fans entertained after two very disappointing semifinals. In 294 Slams that I had the privilege to witness, quite frankly I can’t recall an event during which both semifinals offered such a poor display.
Roger’s 30 finals in 72 attempts is certainly a remarkable record and if the Swiss prevails over Cilic on Sunday, he will capture his 20th Grand Slam title, which is even more remarkable. When Roger was chasing Sampras’ old record at 14, many thought that it would have been almost impossible for the Swiss to achieve such a feat. And instead, Roger is now at the top of the incredible and elusive list of all-time greats.
In my opinion, the most impressive achievement of Roger Federer is that he continues to improve as a player. His backhand is now almost as impressive as his forehand and his more aggressive playing style allows him to be fresher than his opponents. Last year Roger won Wimbledon without dropping a set and this year he is in the position to do the same in Australia.
His opponent in the final will be Marin Cilic, against whom Roger has an 8-1 winning record. Cilic’s only win occurred at the 2014 US Open, when the Croat had an incredible serving day winning 87% of the points on his first serve and 56% on his second. Cilic also managed to break Federer four times in his three-set shocking win against the Swiss. Nevertheless, on Sunday Roger will be the overwhelming favorite.
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