There are always topics to ponder and opinions to take in the expanse of Boston sports, and beyond as well. Every week, the Mass Media’s Sports Section will talk to Alan Wickstrom, UMB’s Sports Information Director, and get his opinion on a relevant Boston sports topic.

This week we talk to Alan about the rivalry between tennis superstars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. With Nadal’s win over Federer in the Australian Open, Alan tells us which is the best player in the world.

I don’t think that [Nadal] is the stand alone in the sport just yet, but he sure is close. He’s beaten Federer in two of the last three grand slams, but more importantly he’s shed the stigma that he only excels on clay now that he’s won slams on both grass and the hard court in the last eight months. I think the rivalry is great for tennis and I think it’s one of the most respectful rivalries in all of sports, which is great to see.

I think Federer was sincerely happy for Nadal last summer and again last weekend in Melbourne. Federer is one of the greatest players and Champions of all time and I would love to see him break Sampras’ record for slams, but right now Nadal is the number one player in the world and if Federer breaks the record, he has to go through him.