'Roger Federer is the greatest all-court player but...', says ATP legend

With the declarations of the end of the year for the first time (or once again) all tennis fans and especially fans of the Swiss champion Roger Federer have seen a shiver run down their spine. This, but not only given that everyone felt a sense of disorientation and inadequacy to the possibility that the Swiss champion, winner of 20 Grand Slam titles, could not go down more than a tennis court. It's been since RF paints their own tennis on any surface possible with its end-of-year statements, which took place at an awards ceremony in Switzerland, they have appeared sinister. Definitive withdrawal? It is probably still early for this, but the word retirement begins to slowly make its way, in the midst of the pre-season good intentions, pronounced during the umpteenth award ceremony for the career of Roger, this time awarded as the best Swiss sportsman of the last 70 years. During a recent conversation with Wide World of Sports Radio, Todd Woodbridge had no hesitation in singling out Roger Federer as the ‘greatest all-court player’. However, the 22-time doubles Slam winner wasn't as convinced about the Swiss' candidature in the overall 'GOAT' debate.

Woodbridge on Roger Federer

"He's (Federer) the greatest all-court player," Todd Woodbridge said. "I find it hard to suggest he is the greatest [of all time] when he doesn't have a winning record over Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic." Woodbridge also believes that Rafael Nadal’s utter dominance at Roland Garros has punctured Roger Federer's legacy. “But his (Federer) game style, the way he's carried himself – Rafa spoiled it by dominating the French Open with 13 Grand Slam titles," Woodbridge added. "If Roger Federer could've won three of them and Rafa just 10 – well then yes, he would've been (the greatest of all time).” With Federer no spring chicken at 39, there are questions on whether his knee will see him through another year on the circuit and help him stay in the race for most Major titles with old rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. In terms of the extent to which the latest injury spell has set him back, the knee merits direct comparison with his back, which broke down just when he was at the top of his game. He had clinched his eighth Wimbledon title and was on a h*t streak, winning 34 sets back-to-back. However, the run of wins snapped at Coupe Rogers as he suffered an upset at the hands of German Alexander Zverev.

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