Golf star Rory McIlroy opens on drawing inspiration from Roger Federer

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• Roger Federer

Golf star Rory McIllroy admits he likes to think he is more Rafael Nadal but he believes the reality is different and that he resembles more the Swiss than the Spaniard. Federer, who is set to turn 41 next month, a long ago established himself as an all-time great but he is still listed as an active players.

McIlroy, who turned professional in 2007 and has spent more than 100 weeks at the top spot in the golf rankings, is now 33. "In my mind, I think I'm more Nadal than I am Federer," Mcllroy told CBS Sports. "But I'm not. I just don't have his grit and will.

I don't think anyone does. Roger, he just loves playing tennis. I think as I've gotten into the meat of my career, my 15th or 16th year on tour, I've really worked hard on making sure I still love the game of golf, and don't just see it as a job.

That's probably the biggest thing I've tried to take out of what Roger has done. He's had this unbelievably successful and long career, but at the end of the day, he still loves playing tennis. I think that's really, really important, and that's one of the big things I've tried to take from him."

Federer suggests he is ready to retire

Federer is expected to return to action at the Laver Cup in September.

Federer is a father of four and the past two years have given him a great look at how will his life look when he retires. In a recent interview, Federer suggested that he would be at peace if he retired from the game today.

“I love to win, but if you’re not competitive any more, then it’s better to stop. I don’t think I need the tennis. I am happy with the little things, like when my son does something right and when my daughter comes home with a good grade,” Federer told Algemeen Dagblad.