Former World No. 1 Marat Safin believes Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal’s achievements outweigh Swiss great Roger Federer’s accomplishments because the reigning Wimbledon champion is a naturally gifted athlete while Nadal has to work extremely hard to attain success in his career.
Safin, who won the US Open in 2000 by defeating American legend Pete Sampras and the 2002 Australian Open by outclassing home hope Lleyton Hewitt, has closely followed the remarkable comebacks of the two men after injuries cut short their 2016 campaigns and he thinks that Nadal’s feats are far more praiseworthy than Federer’s.
Safin said: “Nadal is more impressive than Federer. The latter had everything to be successful, while Nadal is a true wrestler and worker. He’s sweating more and does not get tired. For Federer it’s all easier, though Nadal gives the impression that tennis is a simple thing for him.”
Despite their dominance in 2017, a year in which both Roger and Rafa captured two Grand Slams each, Safin warned the duo about the imminent rise of the young brigade led by Germany’s Alexander Zverev.
“Federer and Nadal have been there for a long time. If we look at the to-10, nothing has changed since I retired in 2009,” he added.
“But that will change. Those in their 30s will soon give their place to young people, who are faster and will improve with time. Alexander Zverev has so much potential, but he is still too young. In a year or two he will be a different player. You still see yourself as a junior, but he is no longer a junior, he has to believe in himself and keep working. Today’s tennis is more physical and fast. Players have less time to think and it’s a good thing.”
