Jen Beattie: 'Roger Federer's rivalry with Rafael Nadal has been one for the ages'

The Scottish and Arsenal defender Jen Beattie had chosen football as her career, although she is a former tennis player and a big fan of our sport. In an interview for the BBC Sport Scotland, Jen said Roger Federer is her idol and the favorite athlete, praising the 20-time Major Champion and everything he has achieved over the last two decades while staying calm and natural. Beattie mentioned Roger's historical rivalry with Rafael Nadal that has been on for 16 years, but also Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, other notable opponents who have been there to battle against the Swiss for the most significant titles. Despite all the obstacles, Roger has won 20 Major titles and lost the other 11 finals, playing on a high level at the age of 38 and finishing the previous season in the top-3.

Roger claimed four ATP titles in 2019, adding the 28th Masters 1000 crown to his tally in Miami and conquering the trio of the ATP 500 events in Dubai (his 100th ATP title), Halle and Basel, lifting the tenth title in front of the home fans. At the beginning of 2020, Federer reached the semi-final at the Australian Open following tough wins over John Millman and Tennys Sandgren, losing to Novak Djokovic and undergoing knee surgery that was to keep him off the court until Halle. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Roger and other players have been forced to sit at their homes and wait for some positive news about the restart of the season that has been halted since early March.

"Roger Federer has not just been a tennis giant; he has been very successful in undoubtedly the greatest era of men's tennis. His rivalry with Rafael Nadal alone is one for the ages. But he's also had to live with Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, not to mention the numerous other quality opponents. To win 20 Grand Slam titles in this period, as well as reaching another 11 finals, marks Federer out as a legend." 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3bcqKpt