Dear Roger,

Congratulations. Seriously.

Although someone finally wrestled the No.1 ranking from your grip, you should be commended for holding on to the top spot for so long. This remarkable longevity required exceptional play on all surfaces, and not just at the Slams. Since 2004, you’ve won 13 of the 34 Masters Series events you’ve played, and reached the final on seven other occasions.

'Give yourself a rest from the media, the pressure, and the demands of the tour. Clearing your head might be the best thing for 2009'


Furthermore, your reign was unimpeded for so long because of your relentless commitment to excellence. All across the globe, you’ve played. And all across the globe, you’ve won. I’ve told everyone I know to watch you play during the past few years because, although you will win more tournaments, you will probably never have a run quite like the one we saw from 2004-2007. Deep down, you must be extremely proud of yourself.

But deep down, you must be aching after what’s transpired this year. Djokovic matured, Nadal improved, you got sick. Even when you were playing great, like at Wimbledon, things sometimes didn’t go your way. The Olympics and the US Open are still to come and, for your sake, I hope they are triumphs instead of tribulations.

But regardless of what happens, the No.1 ranking is gone – for now, of course. When that seismic shift was made official, I thought about a quote of yours, one that sums up your approach to tennis so simply: “No.2, No.3, it doesn’t matter so much. It’s No.1 that matters.”

All good things, including unbelievably good tennis, must end. And that’s why I’m suggesting that you take a short break. Not right now, but after the US Open. Win or lose at Flushing Meadows, you deserve a vacation. A lengthy stay in Dubai might be nice this time of year. Or head back to beautiful Basel. Give yourself a rest from the media, the pressure, and the demands of the tour. Clearing your head might be the best thing for 2009, which you’re probably already thinking about.

You’ve already clinched a spot in the Tennis Masters Cup, so don’t worry about Madrid or Paris. The French capital has never been that kind to you anyways, both indoors and outside. And take a pass on Stockholm as well. I’m still wondering why you’re playing there in the first place, but if I were you, I’d reconsider. Shutting it down for a while could be a big help considering what’s happened this year.

Clearing all these events from your schedule will have you fresh for the two tournaments you should play – and enjoy (you haven’t looked particularly happy on court of late). The first is your hometown tournament in Basel. And second is the year-end championship. Wait until Shanghai to meet up with your buds in the top 10 again. They might not even know what hit them after not seeing you for so long.

If anyone deserves to relax, it’s you Rog. You’ve accomplished most of your career goals at just 26, and have made the sport of tennis better for all involved. You should enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Even if 2008 didn’t turn out the way you wanted it to, end it on a nice note with an extended vacation after the US Open. Go shopping. See friends at home. And when you see your friends on the tour again in Shanghai, remind them of why you were No.1 for four-and-a-half years straight.