Tennis prospers as Federer takes it to another level

TENNIS/US Open: Roger Federer was on his way out of Flushing Meadows on Sunday evening and heading back to Manhattan when a small group of excited children stopped him for his autograph. None of them could find a pen. But, instead of jumping into the waiting vehicle, the new US Open champion paused while one was found, smiled and signed.

The Swiss world number one is one of sport's nice guys, the possessor of a sublime talent that has done much to lift tennis to an altogether more rarefied stratum at a time of biff-bang baseline dominance. He has the style, grace and artistry of champions past and, if the game can develop and progress after his fashion, then so much the better for everyone.

Much of Tim Henman's success this year, including a semi-final here and at Roland Garros, has stemmed from the fact that he is prepared to get forward towards the net as much as possible, though sometimes not often enough.

"There are so few players coming to the net and volleying. This can upset the rhythm of the baseliners and people enjoy seeing it, too," said Henman.

The great strength of Federer, who has now won four of the last five grand slam events, is his brilliant shot making and his versatility. He can win from the back of the court such is the immense power and disguise of his forehand which he takes early with the ball on the up, and he can also kill a point off at the net.

These days he volleys less than he did, principally because he has no need, except against that handful of players who can still bother him. However, he possesses an all-court game that he can adapt to the circumstances, leaving everybody else to figure out ways of discovering any small chinks in his armour. This has been made all the more difficult because of his supreme confidence, his aura of invincibility.

This being America, the clamour began as to whether Federer could and would equal or beat Pete Sampras's record of 14 grand slam wins, including seven at Wimbledon.

"I don't know what to say," said Federer. "I was asked this question after winning the Australian Open this year, then everybody went a bit quiet after the French."

At Roland Garros the Swiss was beaten in the third round by Brazil's Gustavo Kuerten, the three-times French Open champion, although it was only a temporary setback. Unlike Sampras, who never got beyond the semi-finals on the Paris clay, there appears every chance that Federer will win the French Open, thereby joining Rod Laver and Andre Agassi as the only two players to have won all four major championships in the Open era.

"Roger is such a big-time player. When he plays like he did against me today he's in a different league," said Lleyton Hewitt, the former world number one and 2001 US champion, who lost the final 6-0, 7-6, 6-0.

Federer, who admitted to being exhausted, is a naturally modest man. So, when he says he "feels like a superstar", it is because, like all champions, he knows his worth. "But it's important for me to represent the sport correctly and be a good role model for the kids."

For all the talk of records, and the possibility of him "becoming the greatest player ever", Federer is only too aware of the pitfalls.

"There is a lot of hard work and sacrifice and it takes only one injury for your career to be destroyed. I know how much effort I put into it and those close to me know this is something special for me, this is something out of this world."

Federer will finish the year as world number one, with little chance of him being caught until well into next year. The rest, including Henman, now at a career-equalling best of number four in the world, must keep working and hoping.

"Roger has taken tennis to another level," said Hewitt. "Everybody else has to strive to improve. That's what motivates us all."