The big news in the tennis world is that concerning Andy Murray's toppling of Roger Federer, signalling the Swiss monarch's slip outside the top three for the first time since 2003. The 16-time Grand Slam champion is well into his downward curve now, with Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and to an extent Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Andy Murray proving their superiority over the once-unbeatable FedEx.
The 30-year-old maestro seems to be planning to pick up another Grand Slam before hanging up his boots, but that seems a bit difficult considering the aforementioned people's form and skill. The last major he won was the Australian Open in January 2010, which is of course a while ago. Retiring in time is important, as a certain racing superstar understood, or did he?
Take a look at Michael Schumacher, the German 7-time World Champion in Formula One racing. For the last two years of his career, the legend in his iconic red Ferrari was repeatedly finishing second, behind Spain's and Renault's Fernando Alonso. Schumi realised he was no longer the winner he used to be, the famous jump on the top step of the podium was gone, and he announced his retirement at the Monza circuit in Italy, Ferrari's home.
The second innings, though, has panned out very differently for the star. Sitting in a Mercedes with a fraction of the speed and power of the Ferrari, the German is doing all he can to get the best out of the car. Alonso occupies the Ferrari alongside Massa, and none of them are podium regulars.
Schumacher understood when it was time for him to exit the top level. Federer is routinely beaten now, yet he carries on. Perhaps it is a symbol of strength and will to carry on. But unless a legend, a star, retires when he is still good, the lasting impression their career will leave on fans of the game may be quite different from their best performances. Maybe this will apply to Tendulkar too, in a while.
The 30-year-old maestro seems to be planning to pick up another Grand Slam before hanging up his boots, but that seems a bit difficult considering the aforementioned people's form and skill. The last major he won was the Australian Open in January 2010, which is of course a while ago. Retiring in time is important, as a certain racing superstar understood, or did he?
Take a look at Michael Schumacher, the German 7-time World Champion in Formula One racing. For the last two years of his career, the legend in his iconic red Ferrari was repeatedly finishing second, behind Spain's and Renault's Fernando Alonso. Schumi realised he was no longer the winner he used to be, the famous jump on the top step of the podium was gone, and he announced his retirement at the Monza circuit in Italy, Ferrari's home.
The second innings, though, has panned out very differently for the star. Sitting in a Mercedes with a fraction of the speed and power of the Ferrari, the German is doing all he can to get the best out of the car. Alonso occupies the Ferrari alongside Massa, and none of them are podium regulars.
Schumacher understood when it was time for him to exit the top level. Federer is routinely beaten now, yet he carries on. Perhaps it is a symbol of strength and will to carry on. But unless a legend, a star, retires when he is still good, the lasting impression their career will leave on fans of the game may be quite different from their best performances. Maybe this will apply to Tendulkar too, in a while.
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