'Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Djokovic play at another level' Kohlschreiber
In an interview with Kurier, Philipp Kohlschreiber commented on the tennis players' longevity. Almost the half of top 40 players are 30 years old or older. Why? 'Especially because of fitness improvements', said the 35-year-old ahead of the Australian Open. 'You can see that in many sports careers get much longer and athletes are more competitive. And obviously you do not have to forget that we have a generation with many amazing players. Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer play at another level.'
Why are veterans above the next generation? 'Definitely even because we are relaxed and less tense on court. That's not an advantage in key moments. Another thing you can see: the next generation still plays in a way, now you have less variety in the game, less creativity. I grew up with a different game style. Sometimes I feel that younger players are facing someone who is creative. They cannot handle it, because a slow ball may come. They only know power tennis. Our style may sometimes be an old style for them, but it can bother them.'
In Germany, there is always some criticism about Alexander Zverev not winning the biggest tournaments. 'I cannot understand it at all. But we have a similar problem in Germany. Alexander Zverev gets only judged only for Grand Slams. That will not be different with Marcel Hirscher. I love his consistency, everything looks easy with him. For me, it's the Roger Federer of ski. But if he doesn't win a gold medal, then people are suddenly disappointed. I cannot understand it. Dominic Thiem is so young, he is constantly improving, give him time.'
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from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2AP37Uz
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