'Roger Federer has that little bit of delicacy about what he does', says former star

Unfortunately, the current world number 5 Roger Federer has made it known that he is not taking part in the new edition of the Australian Open in Melbourne: the physical preparation in recent months, following the two surgeries on his right knee, was not enough. This is the first time since 1999 that the main draw of the inaugural Grand Slam of the season will not see the presence of the Basel phenomenon: in that edition, a very young Federer lost in the first round of qualifying against Frenchman Olivier Delaitre. Roger has an overall record of 102 wins and 15 losses in Melbourne, including six wins and the 2009 final, which he lost to Rafael Nadal. Having turned professional in 1998, the Swiss is one of the most experienced players on the circuit and certainly the most successful ever. Protagonist of numerous challenges against his great rival and friend Rafael Nadal, Roger has managed to overcome him 16 times out of 40 matches. His latest victory came in the 2019 Wimbledon semi-final, won by the Swiss in four sets. During a recent interaction on Wide World of Sports with Peter Psaltis and Todd Woodbridge, former Aussie player Sam Groth spoke about 'his two special memories' taking on Federer.

Groth talks about Roger Federer

"It's the touch and the finesse that Roger Federer shows more than the other two names (Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic) I mentioned," Sam Groth said. "That's why people love to watch him so much. He has that little bit of delicacy about what he does. Don't underestimate the level of intensity he brings," Groth added. "When you think of intensity on a tennis court, you think of a Rafael Nadal. It's a different intensity that Roger Federer brings on the court." Sam Groth then recalled his third round meeting against Federer at Wimbledon 2015, making special mention of Federer's ability to regain his composure after losing the third set. "At Wimbledon, I was able to take a set. You stick with them (the Big 3) for an hour or so, you maybe able to sneak one (set)," Groth said. "As soon as the fourth set started, Roger's level was exactly the same again .. slight little lapse in my concentration and intensity from my side and he's all over you." Fans would really like to see the Federer fairytale continue for as long as possible. Whenever he makes his return on tour, those moments will be cherished. Although his grand slam record is under threat, winning another title at the prestigious Wimbledon will be monumental. Many would agree that tennis will surely lose an asset the day he bids goodbye. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3ob5Tu3