Roger Federer names three legends as the key influences on his style

Roger Federer at Gerry Weber Open

Roger Federer has revealed which players influenced his game most when he was developing his game as a youngster. 

Federer heads into Wimbledon next week well-rested after missing clay court season and looking to add to his record eight titles at the All-England club.

“I think the style of my play comes from the players I used to admire,” said Federer when reflecting on his game.

“So Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and Pete Sampras all played in a similar way, but they had their unique style.

“What sticks out is that they all had a one-handed backhand. That’s maybe why I have a one-handed backhand because they had one.

“There were, of course, the Jim Courier’s and Andre Agassi’s with two-handed backhands, but that inspired me to play the way I played. I used to probably chip it a lot more like Edberg and Sampras did.”

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