Roger Federer wants to play until 40, Rod Laver knows
Good news for all fans of Roger Federer: Because the Swiss apparently told his idol Rod Laver that he would like to hang on for a few more years.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Mar 20, 2019, 06:46 pm
"He once told me that he would very much like to play until the age of 40. That is a positive sign," said the Australian icon in an interview with the Swiss look . "I didn't stop until I was 38 and I think that's possible if you like the game as much as Roger."
Federer is also very lucky with his team of coaches, who help him to solve small problems, said Laver.
The 80-year-old can be seen in the audience at the world's major tournaments, most recently in Indian Wells. And a trip to Europe is coming soon, because Laver finally wants to go back to Paris this year. Like Federer.
"Maybe not the best, but a nice decision," says the eleven-time Grand Slam tournament winner about Federer's decision to compete again at the French Open in 2019. "Roger should do what he wants and what his heart tells him. He'll hardly go to Roland Garros and think he'll win it. But he'll think I could win it - why shouldn't he have a chance?"
But Laver knows about the risk: "If he has to play a lot of five-set matches over four hours and more, it is not an advantage for Wimbledon. That would be a shame, because I think he has a really good chance of winning there again. "
Laver for comparison with Federer: "Huge difference"
Incidentally, Laver does not like to compare himself in terms of GOAT ("Greatest Of All Time") with Federer, even if he has around 200 titles with twice as many as the Swiss and won the Grand Slam in 1962 and 1969, i.e. all majors in just one year. "The competition in tennis was not that big at the time," says "The Rocket". Federer excels in a world sport, "I played among amateur players, that's a huge difference. I think he's the greatest. His performance, his records and the way he plays are unique."
The Californian of choice regrets that there was no duel between Federer and Nadal in Indian Wells. "The matches between Roger and Rafa are even more precious today because neither of them will have the chance to measure each other much longer. We have to enjoy the current time."
Nadal should also follow Federer's tournament planning. Federer plays cleverly - always three or four tournaments, followed by a break. "I think Nadal will do the same soon. He already has major damage to his body."
Just like left-handed colleague Laver himself, who played elegant tennis, but with a lot of serve-and-volley it was quite damaging to the body. The result: Laver has had new hips since 1996. "I should have done it much earlier," he regrets. "I limped for 20 years, so I broke my knee meniscus and then had to operate it. But that was my mistake."
The entire interview with Rod Laver is here !