Rafael Nadal on Roger Federer: I admire him a lot
Rafael Nadal has great admiration for Roger Federer, saying they have always had a “good relationship” despite fighting for tennis’ biggest prizes.
While Nadal was forced to retire from the season-opening Grand Slam, the Australian Open, Federer secured the title in a five-set thriller against Marin Cilic.
That not only means he holds three of the four Grand Slam titles, but also extended his record for the most in the mens’ draw.
“It’s admirable now as much as before, we do not figure now what he is and what he did,” Nadal told tennisworldusa.org.
“I admire him a lot.
“We have a good relationship, we fight for important things, but you shouldn’t forget that this is a sport and the moments we lived together made us appreciate each other.”
With 20 titles, Federer is four ahead of Nadal with Novak Djokovic sitting on 12.
“There was a generation able to win a lot, Federer, me, Djokovic, (Andy) Murray, (Stan) Wawrinka,” said Nadal.
“If we look at our sport’s history, it had never happened that three players would win much for a lot of years.”
He does, however, believe that the next generation of stars in Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios and Denis Shapovalov could each add a few Grand Slam titles to their tally.
“Zverev, Kyrgios, (Denis) Shapovalov are very strong and they will definitely win several Slams, it will depend on how much they are willing to improve and breakthrough. Their potential and talent is big.”
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”