Former three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker backed Sampras up: "Winning the French Open and in doing so collecting all four Grand Slam trophies, in my opinion, has made him the greatest player in history."
The 27-year-old still has a few more things to accomplish on the court — attempting to win his sixth straight U.S. Open title, winning Davis Cup for the first time, getting after Nadal again.
But on Sunday at the All England Club, he wanted to dispel a myth — that's he's too cool and collected and lacks inner fire. When asked what quality was key in his 15 major wins, he brought up one that isn't discussed very much.
Ted Green of LA TIMES SPORTS Summarizes Federer’s accomplishments and character thusly :
“... it’s interesting to note that Federer’s evenness, his calm, reserved Scandinavian temperament, is the same quality that makes him somehow boring for those fans who prefer their sports heroes wear their hearts on their sleeves.
But it is that same quality that will allow Federer, a month from his 28th birthday, which is certainly old in tennis, to continue competing at a high level for several more years. By contrast, Borg burned out from the pressure to win majors at just 26 and McEnroe, far too intense, was effectively spent around the same age.”
My vote goes to Rod Laver, who won two calendar-year Grand Slams in 1962 and 1969.
If I counted correctly, Roddick was broken one time in thirty five times he served that match, the last game of the fifth set. If Federer is to be hail as the greatest after being broken three or four times in the match, thne Roddick should be raised to #2 int he world immediately because he played a terrific match stretching Roger further than he has ever been stretch, emotionally. It was a great match to watch.
Federer is one of the greats of all time. Deciding who is the greatest is pointless. It all depends on competition of each player’s era. Other than Nadal, no one is really close to Federer right now. At the same time, one could argue Nadal is better than Federer right now. Federer is winning the French and now Wimbledon only when Nadal is injured. Not to take anything away from Federer’s excellence on the court. There is nothing not to love about his game and his conduct while at the top. He is a true champion.
Federer doesn’t seem to have a weakness...his gift is consistency...i’ve watched a lot of tennis through the years...he’s right at the top IMHO.
I watched as he said 'thanks you so much for coming so far...it means alot that you are here" (not a quote but close).
Real class IMO.
I think it is difficult or impossible to compare players across eras. The best you can say is someone was the “best of their era.” Equipment has changed dramatically, so has nutrition, conditioning and the surfaces used in tournaments. Jimmy Connors is the only player to win the US Open on all three surfaces, but I don’t think anyone would throw him into the mix. I’m partial to Laver, and he was the best of his era, but so is Federer...
hh