Now that Roger has picked up the Career Slam and tied Samprass with major wins, do you think he is the greatest? I know there have been some great ones and Nadal is really good right now, but Federer in his prime was unbeatable. That's funny to write considering he is only 27.

 First, I do not believe he is the greatest ever. To be the greatest, you have to be better than everyone else.

Right now, he has the same wins in Majors as Sampras. He needs at least 1 more before one can objectively say he's won the most Majors ever.

The subjective component is what constitutes the greatest? It's more than just wins in Majors, right?

Would anyone say that Rafael Palmeiro (who swore in front of Congress that he never ever took steroids, only to be caught later on), who hit 600+ homers, is a better baseball player than Mike Schmidt, who hit 500+?

The word greatest is a tough one.  He's considered one of the greatest, but not the greatest of all time.

If Federer is considered the greatest tennis player ever.  As he has only won one French Open, does that mean that Nadal is the greatest tennis player ever since he has more French Open championships than Federer? 

I would say that Federer is one of the greatest, but not the greatest.

podstock, are you saying if Roger wins Wimbledon that would make him greater than Sampras? I agree about the subjective component. That is why there never is a "Greatest" in any sport. However, if we had a tourny with the greatest players of all time in their prime, who could beat Federer. I know he is losing to Nadal these days, but I think it would be different if Nadal had to play Roger four or five years ago.

 Johnny, you make a good point.

What I am saying is that Roger can't be considered better than Pete if Roger has the same number of Majors wins as Pete.

Anyways, it's very difficult to say an athlete is the greatest in any sport.

Maybe Pele in soccer?

I would have said Michael Phelps in his sport, but then again, he did lose the last couple of races.

Michael Jordan would be considered the best in his sport, but Wilt Chamberlain was also considered the best (100 points a game).

If everyone started at the same age, same circumstance, same rules, etc..., then we can tell who was the greatest.  But with steroids, enhancing drugs, stronger and more physical players, it's tough.

I agree that it's hard to find anyone who is the greatest in their own sport. 

You guys make good points. He may not be the greatest to some, but at least he is one of the greatest and a great guy at the same time. Here's hoping he pulls off the win at Wimbledon!

Federer will be tough to beat at Wimbledon, but I also thought Nadal would have been tough to beat at the French Open.

So I guess anything can happen.

 with nemesis Nadal out of Wimbledon due to an injury, it's looking like Federer now has his chance to get 1 more Major title that puts him over Sampras, in an objective manner (after all, judging who's the greatest is an opinion, not a fact)

Federer has now advanced to Round 3, currently up 2 sets to none over 27th ranked Kohlschreiber, who I expect to lose to Federer

 Should Federer win his 15th Major, I think this bolsters the argument that he is the greatest ever.

 Fed is the greatest ever, enough said. His longeivity and consistency are incomparable.  Look at Nadal- injury is doing him in.  Fed, on the otherhand, just keeps on competing,  Last yr, he was not 100% due his mono b4 Aussie Open.  He still went to the Aussie Semi, French Final, Wimbie Final, AND won the U.S. Open.  Hall of Fame stuff for everyone else, but everyone is criticizing his decline.... etc.  

I completely agree with you, Johnnygrits, if Roger and Rafa had more matches played on HARD COURTS early in Rafa's career things would be a lot different, and trun the 13-7 Rafa advatange in head to head to Roger's Favor.  Roger is the best all around player, period.  

Podstock, that is not a problem anymore.  Fed just won.  Tip our hats to Roddick, he played aheck of a game.  I'm just glad that the true champion prevailed.  Fed nvr chickened out of a Slam event due to injury, in contrast to Rafa. 21 Sraight semis now and 16/17 Finals for Fed.  HE IS THE KING. 

I agree that Fed is not in his prime anymore, given the fact that it's getting more strenous for him to beat ppl in finals.  He still gets the job done though.  

Must say, that it was a great five-setter.  Great final for both Federer and Roddick.

The bottom line:  FED gets the job done.  Period.................

I think he can reach 18 to 20 for sure. If he stays healthy as he ages, he could pull off more!