Federer and Nadal on Opposite Sides

I had to repost this from Greg Couch on Fox Sports. Great story on two semi-opposing viewpoints and their impact on those around the two "rivals", yet good friends. Such things can happy to us all in families and this about a family...

You might have heard that Federer and Nadal — the greatest, nicest individual rivalry in sports — are having a tiff. Nadal complains that the tour has too many mandatory events, is too grueling, has almost no offseason and is beating up the players. Federer, as the president of the player council, doesn't seem to notice.

"For him, it's good to say nothing," Nadal said. "Everything positive. 'It's all well and good for me. I look like a gentleman,' and the rest can burn themselves."

Nadal is right. Federer is oblivious. But this is a much bigger problem than two superstars bickering. The players are in serious need of a union. So many of them know it, but they just can't seem to figure out how to get it done. At the US Open in September, Nadal, Andy Murray and Andy Roddick went in unity to tournament officials to complain about being forced to play on slippery, rained-on courts just to make TV networks happy.

"It's the same old story," Nadal said. "All you think about is money."

That seemed to be the beginnings of a union. Now, Federer suddenly is an obstacle. And Nadal is example No. 1 of why the union is needed. So the rivalry takes on a different tone.

What makes Nadal an example? The thing is, at just 25, he is starting to get old. He can feel it. He can see it.
On the court at the Australian Open Wednesday, the year's first major, he had a knee brace on his right leg. His shoulder was hurting. He was using a heavier racquet in an attempt to drive through serves and get points over with quicker.

Also, he isn't running as fast as he used to.

The other day, his knee popped so loudly and painfully while sitting on a chair, that he had to have tests done, and considered withdrawing from the tournament. Instead, he did beat Tommy Haas, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, to advance to the third round.

"I love the game and there's a lot of things I'm grateful for," said Nadal, who is VP of the player council. "The game has allowed me to lead a fantastic lifestyle. But to finish your career with pain all over your body? Is that a positive? No.

Click on the link because there is much more.