The charming personality and the spellbinding game of Roger Federer have undoubtedly won the hearts of many people in the tennis community. In addition to a lot of praise, the former tennis ace has also been a target of scrutiny and criticism. Surprisingly, it once came from a prominent figure in the men’s circuit itself. It was the former Swedish tennis player, Mats Wilander who had some blunt disrespecting remarks about Federer’s game on the clay after he was outclassed by his arch-rival, Rafael Nadal.

However, despite being one of the harshest critics of Federer, the 7 singles Grand Slam champion once had some big assertions about the Swiss Maestro’s profound influence in the tennis realm. While hailing the 41-year-old tennis star as one of the greatest, Wilander revealed why his arch-rivals, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic should thank him for their success.

Mats Wilander once opened up about his views on the ‘Big 3 of tennis’

In one of the excerpts from ‘The Roger Federer Effect,’ the Swedish tennis legend emphasized the ‘G.O.A.T.’ debate which includes the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Mats Wilander said that if the Swiss Maestro had won the most major titles then he would have been labeled ‘the greatest’ as he took tennis to the next level.

The Hall of Famer also stated that the “Big 3 of tennis’ competing simultaneously was the most ‘amazing’ period ever in the Open Era. However, Wilander asserted that it was Federer who started it and thus his arch-rivals, Nadal and Djokovic ‘should thank him.’

Trending

Andy Roddick Uses Aryna Sabalenka’s Rock Bottom Phase to Console Coco Gauff Amid On-Court Struggles

May 14, 2024 08:23 PM EDT

‘Never Seen a Sport Self Sabotage Like This’- American Tennis Fans Disgruntled by Danielle Collins, Victoria Azarenka, and Others Not Finding a Streaming Slot

May 14, 2024 12:58 PM EDT

Italian Open: Aryna Sabalenka’s Crown Fails to Move Coco Gauff as She Comes Clean on Her Long Term Goals

May 14, 2024 05:27 AM EDT

Coco Gauff’s Coach’s Call for a Serious Action Backfires After Fans Use the Occasion to Criticize American’s Shortcomings

May 14, 2024 01:30 PM EDT

Italian Open: Coco Gauff Reveals Recent Switch in Attitude of WTA Peers That Changed Her Perspective of The Tour

May 14, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

He said, “Novak should thank Roger. And he should thank Rafa. Because Rafa said: “Wait a minute, what Roger can do, I can do too!” And then Novak said: “Okay, then I can do it too!” What Roger has unleashed is unbelievable. No one has moved tennis forward as he has. Björn Borg also lifted it to a higher level, but only for five years. Then he stopped.”

‘Needed to Get Our A**ES Kicked’ – Stefanos Tsitsipas Gets Real on Senior Rivals Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer

In the process, the former tennis player also compared Federer’s prowess to that of another prominent figure in the sporting community.

Wilander also hailed Federer as the Tiger Woods of tennis

In the excerpts from the book, the Swedish tennis legend also said that Federer was able to do things with the ball that the sporting realm hadn’t previously believed was feasible. He added, “Like Tiger Woods in golf. Kids grow up, see him and think, “Ah, okay, you can hit it 300 meters. Not just 220 meters. So let’s try to hit it 300 meters!”’

What do think of Wilander’s assertion about the Swiss Maestro’s influence and prowess? Let us know in the comments section.

Watch this story – ‘Why Is His Brother Taking a Video..Sweet Home Alabama?’ – Tennis Fans React Hilariously to Unearthed Novak Djokovic Underwear Photo