'Roger Federer will have that one if he surpasses Jimmy Connors', says ATP legend

Roger Federer underwent a knee arthroscopic operation in February, just before Covid-19 forced the circuit to stop until August. The Swiss did not return to the field even after the restart, missing the whole season (in which he played only one tournament). However, it is still in the top 5 of the ranking, thanks to the freezing of the rankings which extended the validity of the points won in 2019. In a recent interview, Greg Rusedski believes that Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are unlikely to catch up with Roger Federer in the race for most match wins on the ATP Tour.

Rusedski on Roger Federer

Roger Federer could also catch the all-time record of most ATP tour titles; Jimmy Connors currently holds the record with 109. Federer is in second position with 103 career titles, while Nadal has 86 and Djokovic has 81. "I don’t think the number of match wins is going to be caught by Rafa," Greg Rusedski said. "Just because you have to average 50 a year. Rafa’s just passed the 1,000 barrier so 50 times four years is 200 matches. Fifty wins a season over five years for Novak Djokovic is 250… I don’t think that one is going to be caught. Roger Federer will have that one if he surpasses Jimmy Connors." Tim Henman, however, is of the opinion that Novak Djokovic might have a chance at those records as well. "I still fancy Novak Djokovic," Henman added. "He hasn’t played much tennis this year in terms of the tournaments he would have done but you’d still fancy him racking up 50, 60 wins for another few years. These records again when you start analysing them, Federer has over 100 tournament wins and Connors is out front on 109. Djokovic I can’t remember what he’s on, into the 80’s I think, it’s just amazing." As we’re well aware, the Australian Open is one of the most attended events in the calendar year. But due to the effects of COVID-19, this year the event is going to be organized in a different manner. After numerous rounds of discussions, authorities have decided to allow 50% occupancy for spectators to attend. In an unfortunate turn of events, Tennis Australia has to make use of its reserves in order to provide funding for the sport. While speaking to the chief of Tennis Australia, Craig Tiley, he said, “We believe that recovery from the pandemic will take up to five years. We also expect that we will use the majority of our reserves in maintaining funding for the sport and playing group.”

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3gfg8un