I disagree...it only seems that the other players of his era weren't that great because he kept owning them in the slams. Guys like Hewitt, Safin, and Roddick would have each won probably 3 or 4 more slams if Federer weren't around. I mean, the guys has been in 19 or 20 consecutive grand slam semis...noone else is even close to that level of greatness over such a long period of time.
I hope Nadal's knee injury isn't serious, though. He's an extremely physical player and major joint injuries have been known to derail many careers (Kuerten, Hewitt, especially). I'd love to see another Roger/Nadal Wimbledon final with both healthy and confident.
Hewitt, Safin, and especially Roddick just are NOT that good. Roddick is one of the most overrated players of the past quarter-century, but he's gotten endorsements and tons of media support simply for being the best
American player of the past few years. It's great that he's got a Grand Slam in his pocket, but lots of people are one-hit wonders in tennis. He had a favorable draw to get to the quarters, but most importantly, Federer got knocked out before he had to face him. Agassi didn't reach the final, but a Roddick victory over an aging Agassi would've been more impressive, given that Federer wasn't in it.
I like Nadal's personality, and I like the fact that it contrasts so strongly with Federer's. The contrast - much like the rivalry itself - is great for the sport.
