Anyone associated with tennis at any level desperately wanted Roger Federer to knock off Rafael Nadal in the French Open men's finals and close in on the historic grand slam.

A victory by Federer would have created an interest in tennis that could have rivaled any sport this summer and possibly even compete with the NFL in the first week of its season. Watching Federer attempting to do the unthinkable would be like watching Barry Bonds breaking the home run record minus the steroids. It would bring in non-tennis fans to the sport and could've created a much-needed boom.

So, it wasn't at all shocking to hear the completely pro-Federer commentary from Johnny Mac and company. Actually, the entire stadium at Roland Garros was behind Federer, as was anyone who really loves the sport.
But how about giving Rafa a little credit here?

During the first set Federer's tactics were called into question by the television commentators and McEnroe in particular was all over the world's No. 1 anytime he wasn't in attack-mode and headed for the net. The problem is on clay against this opponent being agressive is certainly easier said than done.

Nadal's ability to chase down everything and respond with precise passing shots not only made Federer uncomfortable at net, but uncomfortable to go for winners that will just be coming right back at him. Tactics aside, where does Nadal stand in history right now?

If Federer is still considered the best to ever play the game then Nadal has to get the same credit. He is the best clay court player in the modern era.

The world's No. 2 is only 21 and has never lost a match at the French Open. Forget Federer and his history for a moment, Nadal's run in France is also historic and when it's all done he will break Bjorn Borg's six French Open titles if he stays healthy.

But alas it's not as sexy as the Grand Slam to the casual sports fan.

Still, I'm just getting the feeling that everyone's tired of the same old stuff in the men's game.

Nadal and Federer have yet to put on a match that is fitting of a classic rivalry. The French final was more excruciating than entertaining, watching Nadal work over Federer's backhand again and again. Only to finally watch Federer net sitting forehands he drills against every other opponent in the world. What has come to fruition over the past couple of years is that the gap on clay is not that close.

Sure, Federer was in the match for the first two sets, but never for a moment did it seem Nadal would lose.
The same can be said of the Wimbledon final last year for Federer. What tennis needs more than a grand slam is a match for the ages between these two and it could happen at the U.S. Open.

The problem is that Nadal hasn't stuck around long enough on the hard courts of Flusing Meadows to force that match. His physical style of tennis is surely entertaining, but he needs to find a way to stay fresh and injury-free during the summer.

Wimbledon will be challenging for Nadal and it wouldn't be shocking to see someone else in the finals against Federer, such as Andy Roddick.

Nadal's focus though should be to put in more time preparing for the U.S. Open this summer and staying healthy. He can't afford to take a month off like he did last summer. He still needs work on the hard courts unlike his nemesis.

Federer doesn't sweat against any other opponent in the world, Nadal has him confused and rattled. Federer admitted himself that he never plays well against Nadal because of the mistakes the Spaniard forces out of him.
What we haven't seen those is these two guys hook up in New York city. Maybe, just maybe, that match would be befitting of what their rivalry should be.