Nadal to number one?

You know, everyone is talking about Rafael Nadal and his cat-like stalking of the number one spot. He’s been waiting a long time for it. Nadal and Roger Federer have been the one-two punch for a looooooong time – it seems so odd to think it’s on the verge of getting shook up.

Nadal is just – wow. I think sports fans are some of the most fickle on this planet. I know what’s going to happen when R-Fed is finally removed from the position he’s held for nigh on forever. But just because I love Roger – and I would never turn my back on him or denounce the things he’s done – doesn’t mean I can’t have a healthy appreciation and admiration for his biggest opponent. Goodness knows Roger has a deep-seated appreciation for his more than worthy rival. It’s a matter of time before Nadal takes over the number one spot. I know it in the way I knew Nadal would win Wimbledon…or the way I know the sun is going to come up tomorrow because it always does.

Heck – Nadal just won in Toronto. He’s not a clay-courter any more. Is it a phase? Is this period of amazing tennis just a passing fancy for the Spaniard? Shoot, I don’t know. Nor do I really care. Because even if he does take over the number one spot, it’s only a matter of time before someone new comes along to force him to relinquish it whether that’s months or years from now. It’s just how sports are. There are so many variables – it’s like playing the stock market.

Is Nadal going to win the U.S. Open? Maybe. He’s certainly got a great shot, and he’s probably going to be the favorite running into it. But we all know this is tennis – anything can happen. Except Andy Roddick winning. His star set years and years ago.