Chasing History at The French Open

Serena Williams lost in the finials of the 2016 French Open to 22-year-old Spaniard Garbine Muguruza, 7-5, 6-4, depriving the American of tying Steffi Graf's Open Era record of 22 majors. While many consider that Serena's current accomplishments merit her the title of "Best Ever," a 22nd major and beyond would seal the deal. Despite two Grand Slam finals setbacks in a row, more Slam titles for Serena are inevitable.

I would put the over/under career total at 24.

With a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win over world number two Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic joins the most exclusive club in men's tennis history by completing a career Grand Slam and gaining his 12th career Slam. The discussion, just a short time again, was about the possibility of Rafael Nadal with 14 Slams catching Roger Federer at 17 Slams. That looks all but impossible now as Rafa is aging quickly and is plagued by a string of injuries. Roger could mount one last push for Grand Slam number 18, but any more beyond that would be a monumental task.

The talk now is about Novak catching and even passing the great Roger. I believe it will happen. Djokovic is playing the best tennis of his life. At 29-years-old, he is in the prime of his career and is perhaps the fittest player in the history of tennis. He could have three more dominant years and three more good years after that. Sooner or later, the next dominant men's player will come along to challenge Djokovic, but that player has yet to emerge. Injuries could limit Novak, but we are seeing a special player now and 20 career Slams is not out of his reach.

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January/February 2024 Digital Edition