Two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova has credited World No. 1 Roger Federer’s support team for his success at 36.
Federer became the oldest No. 1 player in tennis history in February when he won the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, defeating Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets in the final. The Swiss maestro isn’t having any ill effects of his growing age as he is still dominating the men’s circuit.
After spending six-months out of action due to a knee injury in 2016, Federer made a remarkable comeback by winning his 18th Grand Slam at the Australian Open in Melbourne last year. His fairytale run continued as he captured a record breaking 8th Wimbledon crown in July as well. The Basel native then took his Grand Slam tally to 20 as he defended his Aussie Open title in January 2018.
And Kuznetsova, a former World No. 2 is of the view that it is Federer’s support staff including his wife Mirka, who has contributed immensely to the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s incredible rise back to the top of the sport.
She told Sport360: “Roger is the best, it’s unbelievable. I’m so proud to be his fan. This life it’s burning you out a lot. I think Roger he learned over the years, and probably for sure with help of Mirka, and having a great team around him, organising all the travels and somehow he doesn’t get so tight and so many problems like other players do. It’s smoother for him and of course his potential and talent, everything how it’s organised and how he is, and his greatness on the tennis court it works for him much better, so that’s why he’s so good at that age.”
Kuznetsova also spoke about Caroline Wozniacki’s maiden Grand Slam triumph Down Under. “I don’t think she changed her game, she’s the same for me. Of course you can have less or more confidence, you have better or worse draws. It was a matter of time so her time came and all things came together at this Australian Open. I’m really happy for her, I congratulate her for such a great achievement and it’s good that it has finally happened to her.”
“Many players are like that. It’s okay, as long as she is happy, and I think she’s happy now, she’s engaged, everything is working out. If your life outside of tennis is good and comfortable I think the tennis is smoother.”
