'Roger Federer is not invincible as many...', says ATP star

Returning to their favorite Major after numerous setbacks and injuries, Roger Federer and Andy Murray had high hopes heading into Wimbledon this year. The ten-time champions were ready to play their best at the All England Club, and they also trained together for the first time in 15 or 16 years before the tournament! Andy and Roger couldn't remember when they last shared the practice court, mentioning that it probably happened in 2005 or 2006! Federer and Murray have met 25 times on the Tour, playing for some notable titles around the world, but not meeting since Cincinnati 2015! Federer had been behind Murray since the beginning of their rivalry before changing that with five straight wins that have sent him 14-11 up front. At Wimbledon, Andy scored back-to-back Major victories for the first time since 2017, beating Nikoloz Basilashvili and Oscar Otte to meet in the third round. Andy had nothing left in the tank to challenge Denis Shapovalov, who would then reach the semi-final. Roger competed at Wimbledon for the 22nd time and collected four victories to become the oldest quarter-finalist at the All England Club. The Swiss veteran had four consecutive victories for the first time since last year's Australian Open, but that was all he could do, as Hubert Hurkacz defeated him 6-3, 7-6, 6-0! Roger had the advantage in set number two before the young Pole rallied and won the set in the tie break. Losing steam and energy, Federer experienced his first zero since 2008 in the third set, leaving his favorite tournament with much doubt for the rest of his career.

Ruud praises Roger Federer

Casper Ruud recently revealed that he harbored hopes of defeating Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer when he was a child. The Norwegian also said the two tennis greats had served as an inspiration for him growing up. "Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal," Ruud said. "It was more looking up to them. When you are young it is tough to believe you can be there yourself and beat them." Having trained with the big names in men's tennis on a regular basis, Ruud believes they are not as invincible as many consider them to be. "They (Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer) are more like an inspiration, but the older you get, the more you start to believe, and you get to practise with them sometimes," Ruud said. "They are obviously better than you, but maybe not as much as you would maybe think. I was lucky enough to play Novak Djokovic and Federer once, when I went onto the court I went to try and win. You have to try and look at them as just another player you want to beat."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3jm2Wpy