Google News 'Roger Federer's the most-liked athlete universally', says former No.1
by SIMONE BRUGNOLI | VIEW 5524
Longevity has allowed Roger Federer to become an example for colleagues from other disciplines as well. The Swiss phenomenon stood out for his flawless behavior on and off the court, having helped spread the popularity of tennis in every corner of the globe.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion has had a tough time in the past two years, not being able to play continuously due to repeated physical problems. Those to the knee almost forced him to retire, a hypothesis that the King has always decided to firmly discard.
Not even the last relapse during the grass season has dampened Roger's love for tennis, leading him to undergo his third operation in the last year and a half. The hope is to see him in action again in 2022, in order to close an almost unrepeatable career with dignity.
As part of the documentary 'UNTOLD: Breaking Point', focusing on Mardy Fish's career and available on Netflix, former ATP Number 1 Andy Roddick pointed out that Federer was the main reason that prevented American players from winning as much as they would have deserved.
Roddick talks about Roger Federer
"Roger Federer's the best defensive and best offensive player in the world at the same time. How do you attack that?" Roddick said. Roddick pointed out some of Federer's defining non-tennis attributes and remarked that he was not envious of the Swiss' success but rather of how easily he handles his status in the sport.
"He's the most-liked athlete universally, in the world," Roddick went on. "You speak 17 languages (hyperbole; Federer speaks eight languages) and your hair looks amazing, and it's fantastic and you don't sweat. I'm not jealous of his success.
I'm jealous of the ease at which he's able to navigate being the greatest of all time." During his conversation about Roger Federer on Mardy Fish's documentary, Andy Roddick highlighted the effort it took him back in the day to beat the Big 3.
"It became this gargantuan effort trying to beat the guys that had become the Mount Rushmore of the game," Roddick said. "And all the while taking criticisms. But my dad instilled that army mentality where if you take it on the chin, you get up and you do it again.
I had to get up a lot." Roger Federer fans across the world were heart-broken when the Maestro announced he won’t be participating in the US Open 2021. While fans got a glimpse of Federer at Wimbledon this year, he’s been constantly struggling with his injury since then. The Swiss giant has another surgery on his troublesome knee scheduled.