Henri Leconte: 'Roger Federer is like James Bond. He always finds a way'
Henri Leconte is confident that good times will come again for Roger Federer. Leconte has a good relationship with the Swiss player, as earlier this month they attended together an event held by Credit Suisse in Melbourne. 'He is the James Bond for me', said Leconte as quoted by Blick. 'He is unique, able to constantly adapt his game. He even plays ping pong, if necessary. And against younger players like Tsitsipas he needs to change the things again. Winning two sets is easy for Roger, five sets turns more complicated. He will have to play even more aggressively and he will try to do it.'
Will Federer be willing to change his game again? 'Yesterday (Sunday) he was attacked by someone who had nothing to lose. You cannot imagine how much work it takes to be at the same level as Roger at that age", admitted Leconte.
The Frenchman also reflected on Federer's decision to play the French Open: "It will be hard for Roger as well. From the other side, it could help him to become even stronger. If you are good on clay, you play better on other surfaces. I never get worried about James Bond. He always finds a solution to kill."
Thomas Enqvist recalled when he defeated Roger Federer at 2000 Swiss Indoors in Basel. 'He overcame it well!', Enqvist laughed.
Then, turning serious, the Swede reflected on Federer's longevity and his fourth-round loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas. 'He really loves tennis, so his age is secondary. Who would stop being in his place? As much as Tsitsipas was good, Roger had the match in his hands. Even if he does not play his best tennis, his level is unbelievably good. I am convinced he can win a Grand Slam again. No one will ever get closer to Roger's status. He will forever be the legend of all legends.'
The seven-time Grand Slam winner Mats Wilander said Federer lacks confidence: 'Some losses of last year seemed to have hit with his confidence. The conditions were difficult for Roger, too slow, the opponent was not afraid at all. In other circumstances, he would have beaten almost all his opponents.'
ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: Worse players than David Ferrer won a Grand Slam title
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2sHXUcM
No comments