It came to my attention today that Rafael Nadal cried with joy when Roger Federer won Roland Garros in 2009.  Given that Nadal is tied for 2nd on the all-time list of male Grand Slam winners and that Roger Federer is 1st on that list, it seems like a generous outlook from Rafa.  Competitors look for edges and revealing this when both players are still active strikes me as being as unexpected as it is positive.  Nadal mentioned how he has a good relationship with Roger in this press conference as well.  Roger has said that Rafa could certainly pass his total of 17 Grand Slam titles.  Pete Sampras returned to Wimbledon for the first time after retiring in order to be present when Federer won is 15th major.

Why so Magnanimous?

My guess is that Nadal, Federer and Sampras have been kind to one another when it comes to this chase for two reasons.  First, these titles of GOAT or Grand Slam King are not something that can be won or lost in a tournament.  These three men are among the greatest of all time at winning tournaments.  They each can/could zero in on a the goal of winning a tournament with laser-like focus.  Winning a title that Bud Collins laptop or Peter Bodo’s desktop award is not something that would elicit that type of focus.  Second, while none have walked the exact same path, they have a clear idea of what the other two have gone through in terms of training, practice, match situations and raising trophies.  This commonality is likely why we see empathy and generous attitudes toward one another.