RealClearSports: Federer Knows How it Works

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

WIMBLEDON, England -- He contends he knows how it works. "I think,'' said Roger Federer, "I have played over 100 matches on grass now.'' That is to his advantage. And perhaps, since he will be 31 in a month, to his disadvantage.

A year ago, two years ago, in consecutive Wimbledons, he was eliminated in the quarterfinals. So watching from afar, and knowing tennis is a sport of the young - Novak Djokovic is 25, Rafael Nadal 26 - we declared Federer a dinosaur.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2012

Newsday (N.Y.): Roger Federer calls first Wimbledon match against Novak Djokovic 'intriguing'

By Art Spander
Special to Newsday

WIMBLEDON, England -- Intriguing. Roger Federer might have described his Wimbledon semifinal Friday against No. 1 Novak Djokovic as important. Or critical. Or possibly a last hurrah. But he called it intriguing.

They've played 26 times, Federer, the man with the record 16 Grand Slam titles, and Djokovic, who has replaced Federer at the top of the rankings. Federer has won 14, but Djokovic has taken seven of the last eight, including three straight.

Read the full story here.

Copyright © 2012 Newsday. All rights reserved.

RealClearSports: Tiger, Djokovic, Pujols: Three of a Kind

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – It’s all about fame. Or infamy. All about recognition, for something you accomplished or couldn’t accomplish. All about fans chasing you for an autograph or a photo or no less significantly wishing they could chase you into the next county.

Hero or villain. The roles are virtually inseparable, although from a standpoint of morality and goodwill we would prefer a hero or heroine. Easier to accept. Easier to respect.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2012

RealClearSports: Greatness on a Monday Night

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

It was Jimmy Cannon who wrote that it all comes down to man being great at something. He was referring specifically to Joe Namath, but the words are inclusive in sports, and the idea must be expanded to include women.

In the end, after the scandals and the embarrassments, the games and those who play them at the highest levels are what keep us from turning away, from giving up. We’re stubborn and maybe stupid. We’re also dreamers.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2011

RealClearSports: Real Great Ones Make No Excuses

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

LONDON -- Tiger‘s still out, which is understandable. If he's unable to practice or play, there's nothing he can do except wait and heal as any athlete or sportsman. Only when he is well will he return.

There will be no talk of injuries. With Tiger, no matter his other faults, he competes, as we know from winning the 2008 U.S. Open on what in effect was one leg. There were winces. There were no excuses.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2011