Watching Roger Federer play tennis is like watching truly gifted performers in any theater. In business, sport, politics and life, the great performers know how to take their talents to the next level.

In the game of tennis, the greatest performer of all time is unquestionably Switzerland’s 28 year old tennis magician and maestro Roger Federer. With 13 Grand Slam titles on his resume, Federer has nothing to prove, except, perhaps to himself. The man, who has won 5 consecutive U.S. Open Championships, 5 of the last six Wimbledon titles, been Runnerup in the last three French Open and won Three Australian Opens, has approached the 2009 event in steamy Melbourne with the experienced focus of a player who knows how to win and has the tools to get the job done.

In his semi-final match against 7th seeded American Andy Roddick, Federer continued to play with the steely determination of someone who has something to prove. As the 6-2, 7-5, 7-5 victory unfolded, it became increasingly clear that Federer sees the tennis court the way Bobby Fisher saw a chess table. He understands the opponent’s moves before the opponent has figured out his next play. Roger is always several steps ahead of the competition. Federer moved Roddick around the court with ease. Each time Roddick was positioned properly, Federer applied finesse and power to hit a passing shot or a baseline winner. Simply put, it was magical to watch, if not a little too easy.

The numbers only tell part of the story of Federer’s dominance in this tournament. In his quarterfinal match against the much heralded Argentinean Juan Martin Del Porto, Federer rolled out a 6-3, 6-0, 6-0 win. Roger won an astounding 86% of his first serves. While winning 82% of his first serves against Roddick, Federer only faced three break points. He won them all and has not lost his serve in the last six sets against proven competitors.

To his credit, Roddick played well in this semi final pairing. His power serve kept the match close. His temperament and game were under control. Roddick only committed 18 unforced errors compared to Federer’s 15. Roddick had 38 outright winners compared to Federer’s 51. Andy Roddick played well, like a veteran who should be commended. Having beaten Federer the last time they met, his hopes were high, but promptly dashed in the convincing first set. However, if Roddick can sustain this level of play, he will succeed in 2009.

But on this day, in this event in front of a huge television audience, it was clear that Roger Federer is a level above players like Roddick, Del Porto and the growing cast of would-be challengers. Equally important is what Roger brings to the game of tennis. He displays the value of training, the delicate balance between competitor and sportsman and exactly the type star power the game of tennis needs.

As Federer pursues his record setting 14th Grand Slam Championship, there can be little doubt that this man is the best tennis player to ever step on the court. Roger Federer is the complete tennis player. He understands how to compete, how to strategize and how to capitalize on opponent’s tendencies. His multi dimensional game includes a powerful and accurate serve, stunningly acute ground strokes, and the ability to cover the court from side to side and back to front. There has never been a player who faced so many dangerous challengers and who continues to prevail. Hail to The Greatest Tennis Champion of all time.