As I watched Roger Federer win the Australian Open, I couldn’t help but wonder if he’s the best athlete of the last decade. One could make a case for Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps and perhaps Kobe Bryant. And it’s legitimate.

But let’s just look at the stats. At the ripe age of 28, Federer has won 16 Grand Slam titles, the most all time. He’s also one of two players to win all four Grand Slams in the modern era, joining Andre Agassi. (Note: four others did win all four Grand Slams, but each accomplished the feat before 1970).

In Grand Slam final matches, Federer has an impeccable winning percentage of 70 percent. He’s 11-2 combined in Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. When Federer wins the first set at a major, he’s 172-5. If he wins the second set, he’s an undefeated 156-0.

Total domination.

Federer also has won 62 singles titles, which puts him tied for fifth all time. Again, he’s just 28. Federer also had Joe DiMaggio-like streak of 41 straight matches with a win from 2006-07. He had a similar run earlier in his career of 35 consecutive victories. The Swiss star has a career winning percentage of 81 percent and has the most career earnings in tennis history.

For what it’s worth, Woods has won 14 majors and 71 tournament titles. The golfer, who was named The Associated Press Athlete of the Decade, is 35 and started his career two years earlier than Federer. Both have won 29 percent of the tournaments they’ve entered.

It’s practically impossible to determine the best athlete of the past decade. Comparing statistics and achievements among different sports is like comparing apples and oranges. Phelps did his damage in a two-week span, while Woods and Federer have accomplished amazing feats in 10 years.

Still, I think Federer gets left out of the discussion, especially in America where tennis isn’t as popular as it once was. And that shouldn’t be the case. Federer belongs right at the top among the best.

Sports reporter Evan Mohl can be reached at evan.mohl(at)galvnews.com or twitter.com/evanmohl. E-mail your ‘Bleacher Buzz’ letter (200-word limit) or guest column (350 words) to sports(at)galvnews.com.

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