Wilander: 'Roger Federer can be off for six months but knows how to win matches'

Overtaking was close and the stop came: this is the phrase with which Alexander Zverev started an interview with the German press agency during his quarantine. According to the German, in fact, this stop favors Nadal, Federer and Djokovic and will allow him to return to maximum form and loads before the generational overtaking.

Indian Wells was the first of the thirty-four tournaments canceled (for now) due of the coronavirus emergency, but the Californian event could be rebuilt with the interests by hosting the US Open. According to Marca, it is not excluded a change of location in light of the difficult situation that New York city is experiencing most affected by covid-19. The Billie Jean King Tennis Center has been transformed into a field hospital and homeless shelter for a total of 25,000 meals a day and in these conditions it seems tellable to be able to think about the smooth running of a Slam tournament.

Former World number 1 Mats Wilander believes the suspension is affecting the younger players more adversely than the greats. “Obviously we lose a year of the chase in the history books but at the same time who really cares who ends up with the most majors?” the Swede said. “It hurts Novak more because he was in great form and Roger is getting older. But for the younger players a break like this is much tougher.

Yes, they are obviously going to be able to practise at some point, somewhere, but not playing matches? The only way to improve when you’re 21 is through confidence and growing the knowledge. Federer can be off for six months but knows how to win matches. The younger players are still forming their ways to win matches.”

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/358jb1F