Roger Federer is trailing both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam race, but he wishes them longevity because it's 'good for the game.'
Roger Federer is one of the most ambitious tennis players ever. His career didn't happen by chance but rather through work. He wanted to become as great as he was because that competitive drive was always present.
Stories about his competitiveness, even as a kid, are legendary; we saw how that unfolded. He's not the only one like that in history, as we'd find out later. Nadal and Djokovic are both equally competitive and ultimately achieved a bit more than him when it comes to the Grand Slams, surpassing the Swiss Maestro.
It weakened his claim to the GOAT status in many people's eyes, but he's not bitter about it. A true gentleman on and off the court, Federer wants to see his rivals push on and win more because it's 'good for his game.'
It's an interesting perspective from the legend whose legacy is directly tied to that. Again, an icon like that can't ever see his legacy truly shrunk. Speaking with CGTN, Federer reiterated his happiness about the rivals marching on.
I was really happy and fortunate to play against them [Nadal and Djokovic] (...) and I hope that Rafa can come back very strong next year and that Novak can keep on playing as long as he wants, because to have these guys is really good for the game
In a vacuum, the statement is correct. The longer these two play, the better it is for the game. They are drawing fans and sponsors, and while the sport will survive without them, how much it will thrive is up for debate.
Things could be good, bad, great or something in between. We'll just have to wait and see.
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