How Rare is Greatness?

Judging from what we saw today, it's pretty damn rare.

We were at Roland Garros in Paris for the French Open men's final today and saw Roger Federer complete the career grand slam and tie Pete Sampras' record of 14 total grand slams. Federer got to 14 in 40 tournaments, it took Pete more than 50.

It was a cold and rainy day in Paris, but the nice thing about playing on the red clay is that it is the one slam that can be played in damp conditions. Hard courts and grass get too slippery even if it just sprinkles, but not the red clay at Roland Garros. So, just like the Super Bowl in Miami 18 months ago, I got to sit in the rain and watch history. It was incredible.

Each generation has "the greatest of all time" (GOAT for short) and we've been blessed to witness Roger Federer and Tiger Woods ascend to the pinnacle of their respective sports at pretty much the same time (they each have 14 majors by the way). Woods is a few years older but will play far longer than RF since mens singles at any level puts enormous pressure on elbows, knees, shoulders, and backs and it would not surprise me to see King Federer quit playing in a few years once the slam record is safely out of Rafa's reach. Time will tell.

There are so many talented people around the world and in all walks of life, but true greatness? It's pretty rare and if you ever get a chance to see it up close you'll know it.

We saw it.