8-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi has lauded the reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Roger Federer for his unique playing style that has allowed him to dominate men’s tennis even at the age of 36.
Federer, who has been written off by the media and the pundits alike, many a times in his two decade career has come out of bad phases with flying colors and the Swiss did the same yet again in 2017. After having a torrid time on the ATP circuit because of a knee injury that required surgery in 2016, the Swiss great made a remarkable comeback this season by winning a tour-best seven titles, including a record 8th Wimbledon trophy over Marin Cilic of Croatia.
And Agassi looked to be in awe of the man from Basel. He said: “Federer is unique. In everything: greatness, precision, easiness. He plays tennis in a different way than others.”
“When I say easiness, don’t misunderstand me: it’s not easy. But it seems Federer controls everything, has a solution for any issue. With so many options, he has the power to avoid the physical intimidation that many current players use.”
“He knows that he can play elegantly, smartly, handle his efforts, take his time to get his injuries healed, learn new things and keep investing in his progresses. We can’t deny that Federer will mark the sport forever.”
The American legend also spoke about the chances of the next generation of players, including Australian prodigy Nick Kyrgios.
“Their shots are powerful, they move quickly. I see Kyrgios and I say with sarcasm: What a shock! Our sport is evolving phenomenally. Players are bigger, have more muscles. But Federer and Rafa Nadal still win. Yes. The problem for younger players is that they are young.”
“Despite their speed and power, they need several years to be as mature as Nadal or Federer. Technical, tactical and physical maturity. It’s almost crazy to see how these two men, but also Djokovic and Murray, have managed to evolve on such a consistent basis.”
