Tennis legend Roger Federer talked about the rise of young tennis players in an interview with Eurosport. The Swiss Maestro commented on the current level of tennis, praising the young talents that have emerged in recent years and not hiding his disappointment at not having been able to face them.
Contemporary tennis is in good hands, according to Federer. The Swiss tennis player, who flew to Vancouver for the 2023 Laver Cup, will be the guest of honor of the competition.
He told Eurosport: “Contemporary tennis is in good shape if I look at what Coco Gauff did at the US Open.
I think she did something special, unique. She has been on the circuit for five years and is an incredible girl.”
The Swiss the added: “Coming to the men, we have experienced some great moments: Novak is rewriting history, Alcaraz’s exploits at Wimbledon, Medvedev playing fantastically in New York.
Many young people are emerging, a generation against which I couldn’t play.
I am referring to Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to challenge them on the pitch but I think the future is bright.
The game is evolving, we evolve. But the nice thing is that I really enjoy watching the matches and commenting on the results.” Federer said to the Laver Cup website: “We started thinking that it would be great to bring together the best players and have a place where former tennis greats can play an important role.
Personally, the event completely exceeded expectations. I also feel a bit nostalgic thinking about my retirement at the O2 Arena, where I played many of my matches. The climate in the locker room, seeing people from different countries unite and team up, as Novak, Rafa and I did, has always been wonderful.
I am very happy and excited to be here. It will be a short but beautiful competition, three days full of action.”