I have just watched Novak Djokovic overcome Rafael Nadal to win the men's singles title at the US Open in New York.
The match was another example of the new heights to which men's tennis has been elevated in the past five years. The competition and rivalry involving Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and others have undoubtedly driven this, in addition of course to the quantity of talent currently on the circuit.
What is striking is the sheer intensity and quality of the tennis on display, with points more often than not being clinched by daring and skill, rather than unforced errors, and the physical and psychological resources of the protagonists being stretched to their very limits.
We are indeed lucky to be living through times when this level of competition is taking place. It seems that the tennis community, and the attached media, are acutely aware of this, and it would be a shame indeed if the wider public was not exposed to the pure excellence of the current crop of elite players.
It will be interesting to see how things develop from here. Initially, Roger Federer was the undoubted no.1, but this status came under pressure from Nadal, with Djokovic as the "comingman". Now, as Federer perhaps begins to fade slightly, Djokovic has ascended to new heights, and his reserves of resilience seem to rival even those of the Spaniard.
Who knows, perhaps a new pretender, equipped to challenge "The Big Three", is just waiting to flourish and make his mark?
Whatever happens, it will make for pulsating viewing!
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