2. Genius
To be the best you cannot only possess the best execution or physical prowess, but also the best game plan. The domination of Roger Federer over the last decade can be summed up by watching just one rally; with apparent ease he dictates the play, making his opponent chase the ball with no option but to relentlessly defend the onslaught. This is born out of a foresight into how a game will be played. Like chess Roger reads the moves perfectly, countering with a winner. Roger speaks 7 languages; similarly his tennis contains huge variety. The ability to envision and then execute the right shot in each circumstance is something all players have, but Federers decision making is a step up. In his dominant reign 2003 -2007 the shot choices were impeccable, consistently the perfect shot to triumph point by point. Though his standard of play will decline from now on, his intelligence can never be questioned.