RAE1980 wrote:I VOTE FOR 16+....

Before this happens, Sampras comes out of retirement and win Roland Garros.
Moralspain s explantation looks realistic, even if he s a great Rafa fan.
The reason is simple:
How long does Rafa play now for Grand Slam titles? Since 5 years. He was out for 2-3 months in 2009, but played any GS tournament except for Wimbledon that year.
Federer plays for GS titles since 2003, now 7 years, and as it is, he becomes weaker and will most definately not win much more as 1-2 until his career is over.
Rafa will reach this pöint at least in 2012, maybe earlier.
So if he really wants so win more then 16, he has to win:
US Open 2010 (9th, i guess he s gonna take Nr. 8 this Sunday)
AUS Open 2011 (10th)
French Open 2011 (11th)
Wimbledon 2011 (12th)
US Open 2011 (13th)
AUS Open 2012 (14th, equal to Sampras)
French Open 2012 (15th)
Wimbledon 2012 (16, equal to Federer)
US Open 2012 (17th)
Just take a look on this. Who think this is real?
He first have to win the US Open this year, because it s maybe his last and best chance.
And do you think Federer is really totally at the end and will not win 1-2 GS titles in the next 1-2 years, for go up to 18 or 19?
He s out of shape at the moment, but Rafa will also be out of shape in the next 6-12 months, don t know when exactly, but he will.
From 2013, i would bet Nadal neighter Federer will win a GS title.