It will take many years to see a Roger Federer's heir, says former player
The former tennis player Nicola Pietrangeli believes that seeing another player like Roger Federer will basically be impossible. In a recent interview, Pietrangeli, who competed in the 50s and 60s, said: 'There are so many guys who play very well, but frankly a Federer-heir... I would switch to another name. For his heir, I would wait for many more years.'
Asked who is the greatest player of all time, Rod Laver or Federer, Pietrangeli replied: 'Do not ask me who was the strongest between him and Federer. It's impossible to decide it. There was (Pete) Sampras as well and many other great champions. But you cannot make comparisons between eras.'
Pietrangeli also gave suggestions to younger players: 'Do not think about money but training being committed and serious. Now if you are not an athlete, first of all, you cannot think to get to the top. Talent alone is not enough.'
Commenting on the Italian tennis, Pietrangeli said: 'For ten years champions like Roberta Vinci and Flavia Pennetta kept the Italian tennis at the highest level. Now men are more convincing than women, but all this is not enough. We have a great player, Fabio Fognini. It's up to him to show to be a champion, but he does not have to lose a chance to do it.'
Novak Djokovic went through tough times in the recent years. The Serbian player appeared to have had personal problems with his wife Jelena, and they share two children together. The former tennis player Nicola Pietrangeli, who has a stadium named after him at the Rome Open, said: 'Is the tennis player's life really a sacrifice? Djokovic dealt with family issues. I think that, in contrary of us who were not earning anything, now the strongest tennis players earn $20-25 million a year. They cannot complain, having this kind of life is their choice.'
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from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2S7NpuH
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