'Roger Federer shows you basic respect as a person', says writer

In Melbourne Novak Djokovic was even stronger than a muscle injury, he came out the winner of hard-fought matches (above all the one with Fritz) before sailing and winning the Australian Open for the ninth time. In the final with Medvedev, who also had just returned from twenty consecutive victories, there was no story. Three sets to zero. A clear success and Slam number 18 for the Serbian who now, while he stops for a small break, can start thinking about his future and above all about the records he will beat and those he will be able to beat. Monday 8 March will be a historic day for tennis. Because the Serbian tennis player will start the 311st week as world number 1 and thus exceed the 310 of Roger Federer, who in turn about three years ago had done better than Pete Sampras. An exceptional record, a symbol of great tennis longevity at the highest level for Nole, who will be at the top of the world rankings for a very long time and may increase and perhaps make the record of weeks at the top of the ATP ranking almost unbeatable. Djokovic triumphed in 18 Grand Slam events (9 Australian Open, 1 Roland Garros, 5 Wimbledon, 3 US Open) and got back in the wake of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who won 20. After winning over Medvedev, with a statement of pragmatism Nole said that his historical rivals have the possibility of winning more Grand Slams. This is certainly the case, but the years naturally pass for them too and the overtaking could come as early as this year or at the latest in 2022. In an interview with Perfect Tennis, Dave Seminara spoke about Federer's overpowering presence which commands the attention of everyone in the room - even journalists who have covered the sport for decades.

Seminara speaks about Federer's overpowering presence 

"Roger Federer has a tremendous presence," Dave Seminara said. "When he walks into the room, there’s a hush. Everyone suddenly stops looking at their phones… even reporters who have been covering tennis for 20, 30 years with (Pete) Sampras and (Andre) Agassi turn quiet." While researching and writing his book, Dave Seminara had the opportunity to meet Roger Federer at the Swiss Indoors in Basel. Recalling that meeting, Seminara claimed that Federer always pays attention to the person he is talking to, which distinguishes him from many other athletes. "When you ask Federer a question, he looks at you, tries to give something back," Seminara said. "He shows you basic respect as a person…other athletes don’t give as much attention.”

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3bEPV6s