“We made each other better”

LONDON (AP) — Roger Federer is the father of four children: two 13-year-old girls and two 8-year-old boys. It engulfed the world of tennis in the same way that parents view their children.

Who are the ‘greatest’ men’s tennis players of all time? Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic?

“People always want to compare. ‘ said. The 20-time Grand Slam champion’s final competition, Laver at the arena to host his Cup.

“Obviously in tennis we do the same thing….I was my own career, my own player and I needed those challenges. They needed a challenger like me.” said he leaned back on the couch, wearing a blue blazer and polo shirt after practice navy pullover, a white t-shirt and black jogger pants. and say, “That was great.” Will someone be happier than others now? I mean, it could happen soon.”

He called the topic “a good conversation. Let’s be honest” and “definitely a fun debate” and “you can talk endlessly”.

But he also used the word “ridiculous,” given all that 22-time major champion Nadal and 21-time major Djokovic have accomplished.

“I always say it’s great to be part of that selective group.

“How do you compare? Which is better? To win when you’re older or when you’re young? I don’t know. Is it better to win on clay or on grass? I don’t know. ‘I don’t know.’ It’s really impossible to grasp,” he said.

Referring to Nadal, 36, who is expected to be Federer’s doubles partner in Friday’s final match, and Djokovic, 35, Federer said: As one of, perhaps the best – down.

Federer, who is Swiss, grew up a basketball fan and saw Michael Jordan face off against LeBron James on multiple occasions.

“Who’s the greatest? Maybe MJ. But it’s LeBron? Some statistics say he is. I think it’s a (social) media phenomenon. “Goat” “Goat” “Goat” “Goat” “Goat” Federer said there shouldn’t be so many GOATs before blaming himself for his dad’s jokes. field. ”

Federer promises no comeback. His surgically repaired right knee doesn’t allow it. His age, 41, does not help.

But he’s adamant about staying connected to tennis. That includes participating in certain tournaments,” he said.

It involves watching on TV from time to time and constantly monitoring the results.

He compared Nadal, who won the Australian Open and French Open this season, and Djokovic, who won Wimbledon but missed the Australian Open and US Open because he had not been vaccinated against COVID-19. I plan to monitor. It’s very strange not to see Novak in so many draws,” observed Federer.

“At this point, it doesn’t matter how far up they go if they either pass you or you’re not playing anymore,” Federer said. Control some of it, I cared more.

When it comes to Nadal and Djokovic winning another Grand Slam title, he said: As long as it makes their family happy. ”

At one point during a nearly half-hour-long conversation with the Associated Press, Federer mentioned the idea that players “fall in love” from the game.

What did he mean by that?

Essentially: It’s impossible to love every moment of every aspect of a professional tennis player’s life all the time.

“You go through phases. As a kid, you have this vision of the tour as this wonderful place: ‘That’s the coolest thing. I can share the locker room with everyone. I can go out to the stadium.’ , the fans are screaming my name… I can get autographs, I can take pictures, I’m on top of the world.” It was written: ‘By the way, you need to do it in another language. I knew it was going to happen, but could it be this intense? I know what I have to do,” Federer said.

I’m not looking for “Oh, poor people.” We are doing well. We are making a lot of money and we have a chance to entertain millions. But I would like to say, sometimes you have to rethink yourself .is it as i am supposed to? It’s a dream come true,’ he continued. ” can be dangerous. “Normal” is no good, right? ”

The trick, as Federer explained, is to make it exciting for you. Perhaps “you fake it” or “there are people around you who can help you”.

He credited various coaches and other members of the team for pushing him through the years.

“When people see me on the court, they like it,” he said, then lowered his voice to a whisper. You can do it with

That’s nonsense, said Federer.

“I need inspiration. I need motivation. Put on your shoes and practice. I know you don’t want to do that here. I really don’t want to be here either, but let’s do it anyway. And you can relax,” he said. “It’s a challenge. But a good one. And I’ll do it again.”

And he smiled.