"Tennis is a tough sport. There's no draws but if there was going to be one I would be very to accept the draw tonight and share it with Rafa. " Gentleman. Sportsmanship. That's the reason they are the best of all time.
If you're ever sad, remember that the Earth is 4.535 billion years old and you somehow existed at the same time as Roger Federer. There is no Man on this planet bigger than you. 💞 EIGHTEEEEEEEEEEN
True. Especially the backhand error. In his prime the Rafa Forehand average was 3,200 rpm spin, and it peaked at 5000 rpm. By point of comparison, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi hit topspin shots at around 1,800 rpm. Its very difficult for players with one handed backhand (like Federer) to retaliate. Thats why one handed backhand players like Stan Wawrinka, Nicolas Almagro and Richard Gasquet never, literally NEVER beat Rafa when he was in his prime.
Amrit Swain Most had the wrong strategy. McEnroe had advocated taking the ball early on Rafa and not waiting behind the baseline. Since a heavily hit top spin ball is slower, it's easier to hit early. It took Dimitrov and now Federer to realize the strategy. What took the tour that long to get this? This should work on clay too, since the court is even slower.
Wally Friend I doubt that would have worked in his prime years. Even Djoker and Murray, with the two best returns in the game, suffered badly. Even if one did that, theres the Rafa mentality to beat too, guys an Apex Predator. Plus everything McEnroe says, i usually take that with a grain of salt. PS: if time travel did work in real life, i would have like to watch a Rafa vs Bjorn borg match, on the red clay of Roland Garros.
Amrit Swain I think it would successful to any top spinner baseliner especially someone that hits with excessive top spin. But you have to have the talent to take ball early. Someone like Agassi uses it as part of his game and could beat Nadal regularly in his prime.
I'm a Rafa fan but the respect I have for Roger cannot be described. What a excellent speech from the GOAT with no doubt. These two are the reason why I love tennis.
"I would've been happy to lose too." This single sentence speaks tons why Roger Federer is the most distinguished player in tennis history! Loads of respect for them both. Rafa is also one of the GOATS too.
No he explained it in the post-match interview. He's more referring to his injuries. He's 35, injuries will pile up, and he won't know how much longer he can keep playing. He wasn't saying he is planning to retire, just that he doesn't know what the future holds.
Yeah..:( My world would stop the day I have to hear that news but for today, let's jus feel blessed to have watched his most special match after 2009 French & Wimbledon...it's celebration time my friend:) Cheers..
Australian Open - 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017 French Open - 2009 Wimbledon - 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 US Open - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
how the hell is he a "cheat act" u jealous ignorant dimwit - he played like a legend..Nadal had his chance at 3-1 up in set 5, but Fed came up with the goods - besides Nadal has won many too, you didnt call Nadal a cheat when he wins did u? -- so dry your eyes.!
It's a tennis match, if you're crying over a sports match you really, I mean REALLY need to get an understanding of what is important in life and what isn't. There are people on our planet who don't so much have food to eat or water to drink and yet here we have idiots crying because someone won or lost a sports match lol?My favourite players often lose early and rarely make it to week 2 of a slam. Does that mean I should struggle to sleep over it?
Game Ovais if you cant understand emotions i feel like robots are better than you!! and you can cry and care for those who are dying hungryy....i certainly dont need nonsense here :)
"and if not" ... that breaks me. No sport has ever had a Roger Federer. He transcends Jordan Nicklaus Tiger Phelps Gretsky Laver Brady Montana Rice Walter Borg Koufax Babe Mantle Ronaldo Lebron Sampras Bolt and anybody else you can name. Simply the best ... better than all the rest.
I remember 5 years ago people saying that he was done, that he was finished, and that he will never ever win a tournament again and even with less possibilities to win a Major Tournament...where are those people now?
I'm a huge fan of Rafa and i'll always be BUT whenever he plays agains ROGER i don't care who is going to win the game bcus they are both just amazing, it's a joy watching them playing REAL TENNIS... Congratz Roger and one more time you showed the world how BIG you are saying all these beautifull words and give all ur respect to ur oponent !
You can tell how much respect Nadal and Federer have for each other - their rivalry constantly pushes them to be constantly at their best, which is why, despite facing earlier competition from the young blood rising up in the ranks, it was an absolute nostalgic treat to see them both play each other again in the finals after so long and when no one had expected them to - proof that you should never count anyone out so long as they're still willing to stay in the game.
Probably the two classiest, most humble and respectful speeches ever given at the end of a grand slam final. You can tell even though they were the fiercest rivals they have so much respect for each other.
I believe he REALLY meant that when he said he'd be happy to share that trophy. Then 13 years after the first Rafa got his moment yet again. The stars have aligned for these two legends 💕
The level of respect and sportsmanship these two legends have for eachother is at another level. Always pushing eachother to greatness and that is why these are the two GOATS of tennis.
Can you name another sportsperson who is or was an absolute legend of their sport having a squeaky clean image. Even if you can dispute Fed's claim to GOAT you will be hard pressed to find one point negative against him regarding his on and off court conduct. Fans love him, the press loves him, sponsors loves him, perfect ambassador for his sport, ideal role model for his peers, married well with no multiple girlfriends drama, never caught being reckless in his personal life, even the tabloids can't find dirt on him, perfect husband, perfect father, what has he ever done wrong. I have never seen or head of athlete of his level that has lived their whole career in the public eye and never even put one toe out of line, it must be exhausting if you have to act perfect but he just is flawless. Usually someone achieves as much as he has will lack something, have a kryptonite. The only fault I can find in him is that he seems a little too OK with losing. I think lots of matches where he lost to Rafa can be attributed to this lax attitude where he just throws in the towel. But even that negative is a positive for him because that willingness to accept defeat has made him a graceful and humble champion, instead of the usual arrogance that plagues top athletes.
Wow, you take drank the kool-aid. Everything you said can be said about Rafael, as well. So, yes I can name another.... Nadal who is standing on the platform with him. The funny thing is Federer would and has said the same. Not taking away from Federer is just that you really took away from Nadal by saying what you said.
Sí, tienes a Rafa Nadal, a Perú Gasol, a Iniesta, cuántos más necesitas conocer?. Roger Federer es enorme, y lo admiro, pero aquí, en España tenemos una legión de grandes deportistas y señores, dentro y fuera de la pista. Infórmate y seguimos hablando. Un abrazo.
I am overjoyer beyond words that he won but Roger said it perfectly, if ever there was a time in a tennis match where they could draw and share the trophy then this has to be it. Both deserved to win the match and I do feel bad for Rafa but if he keeps playing like this then the 10th French open will come no doubt this year. A lot of respect to both of these players they r the most amazing legends of our sport. Roger u have made me the happiest person in the world today. Thank you forever for this moment.
For Legend King Roger Federer: they say Albert Einstein is the a name synonymous with the word 'Genius', similarly, Roger Federer is the answer when asked what is tennis? Two of the best of all times ♥
i am a federer fan. the respect both of them have for each other and for tennis is tremendous. djokovic may break their records but as a sportsman is far behind these 2 legends
I think Roger's decision about retiring depens upon how the rest of the season develops. If he notices that, regardless these couple of weeks, he is not taking the taste again for all what being on tour implies, he may retire by the end of this season; if he has no problem with it and keeps playing at this level (which assures him at least winning a couple of tournaments, and perhaps one or two M1000 (another GS sounds like too much, but hey, he just did it!)), I think he may consider playing one more season; all that aside, even if he doesn't retire, I don't think he goes beyond 2018. I wish you never retired Roger, you're simply the best that has ever happened to this sport.
Claudio Vera Del Canto he said this cause you never know what life presents you tomorrow. he knows too well that a injury like last year could keep him out again and make him miss some GS
Two of the best grand slam final speeches I have ever witnessed in a long time. You can really see how much these guys mean to each other, not just in terms of their rivalry, but also their strong bond as friends and the fact that they LOVE giving back to their fans and that's what I love most about them. They are so selfless.
A true sportsman in Federer, and fantastic match up of two greats. Seen some epics between these two and it's always amazed me the standard these two have set. Great to watch them once more.
The amount of love that Roger has for Rafa is incredible: @2:00 he thanks Rafa's team for everything they do for Rafa and implores, "I wish you continued success, stay on the tour, keep playing Rafa please. Tennis needs you." Imagine saying that to your biggest rival who has beaten you more than anyone else, prevented you from winning so many Grand Slam titles, took the world no. 1 title from you several times. A stunning friendship indeed.
Dear Fed', Just wanna say,that you are not only a player man,but also an ARTIST. Watching you playing is actually watching the Heaven itself.Keep going flawlessly as you do. Respect. Love you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you,GOAT.
what a players they both are...Roger really admires Nadal like anything... as he told he is definitely no.1 fan of Nadal and it reflects whenever he talks about him...such a great companion of sport...one can never find anywhere... they both really respects each other do much..FEDAL ROCKS....
That was an unbelievable match! So happy Roger was mentally strong to come back from 1-3 in the final set!! And don't you think to retire, young man, 'cause we're watching you! Congratulations Roger! P.S. So happy murray didn't make it far in this tournament, he looked quite strong at the start of the season.
The greatest legend of all time the one and only Roger Federer, this match was epic I couldn't believe it because I switched of the TV when I thought he was going to lose but when I saw the highlights I was shocked it was just phenomanal and amazing regret I didn't watch the whole match but after the results I'm impressed
both of you so amazing good attitude and the best player ever... good friends also... congrats both of u.. cant wait next final both of you in wimbledon rolandgarros and us ....
Both are Class Acts and GREAT GREAT players...As far as Federer we will Never see another player as Naturally Talented as Him and this Sport will Miss him DEARLY
Good bye Roger. Thank you for giving us the good times and the bad times. You are the best I’ve seen and you showed my son and I how tennis should be played, with style and elegance. Through the Borg, McEnroe, Connors, Lendl, Sampras, and Agassi days, I’ve seen it all. You are the GOAT by far
apart of wining or lossing ....if by chance the word tennis came to our mind ...the first name that strike like ace is he.... Definitely form is temporary but legend will always be the legend ...thank u sir
