Sport

Greg Baum

Greg Baum is chief sports columnist and associate editor with The Age

 Usain Bolt speaks with John Steffensen at the Nitro athletics gala dinner.

If only I'd tried, says Bolt - or played cricket

Pivoting one way on his swivel chair, eight-times Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt said that if only he had been more dedicated when he was young, he might have achieved so much more. "I was reckless," he said.

Roger Federer with the Australian Open trophy. Again.

Federer conquers Nadal, and the world

Did Donald Trump push the nuclear button overnight? Do tell, because it wouldn't have registered here, not while Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were playing each other to such a standstill on centre court.

Serena Williams with the Australian Open trophy on Saturday night.

Williams the GOAT? In the conversation, at least

Serena Williams insists she has given no thought to the calendar-year grand slam that would complete her fabulous CV, having just marked off another achievement that she believes adds to the discussion about who is the Greatest Of All Time.

Roger Federer chases down another ball.

Fed express: 'It comes at you so quickly'

Roger Federer first tried to qualify for the Australian Open in 1999. He lost in the first round, in straight sets, to tour veteran Olivier Delaitre. Yes, Virginia, there wasn't a Santa Claus.

"Career milestone": Roger Federer celebrates his win over Kei Nishikori.

Federer, simply the best? Roger that

What defines a great sportsperson? Arguably, it can be narrowed down to three precepts: achievement, style and graciousness. Some possess some of these qualities, but in my experience, only in one man are they combined peerlessly and inimitably.