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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a forehand in his third round match against Taylor Fritz of the United States during day five of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a forehand in his third round match against Taylor Fritz of the United States during day five of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Italian tennis star Marco Cecchinato has shared his thoughts on the continuing speculations around Roger Federer’s future in the game. In an interview with an Italian publication, Cecchinato, who is currently ranked 93rd in singles, said he would personally want Roger Federer to keep playing till he is 50.
Cecchinato says Roger Federer brings an extraordinary and stimulating presence to tennis
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The Italian added that Federer brings a charming and graceful presence to the men’s game, which will be sorely missed once he decides to bring the curtains down on his career.
“I hope, first of all, that Roger can play until he is 50!” the 28-year-old Italian said, adding that the Swiss makes for a joyful company irrespective of whether one runs into him in the “fields”, “locker room” or “lounge area.”
(Quotes have been translated)
“On the circuit, he is an extraordinary and stimulating presence,” Cecchinato said, conceding, however, that the 20-time Grand Slam and his Big 3 peers Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic won’t find it easy to straightaway find their groove on their return to Tour action.
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PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 07: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerland embrace at the net after their mens singles semi-final match during Day thirteen of the 2019 French Open at Roland Garros on June 07, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
While the Swiss player hasn’t featured in any Tour events since making his much-anticipated comeback at ATP Doha, Nadal and Djokovic have also been on a break since the Australian Open.
Cecchinato backs Federer, Rafael, and Djokovic to continue their dominance for a long time
While the Spaniard fell in the semifinals at Melbourne Park, the Serb clinched a record ninth Australian Open title.
While Federer is eyeing a winning return to Grand Slam tennis at Wimbledon, Nadal will go to the French Open in the hope of defending his record 13th title from last year.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia shakes hands with Roger Federer of Switzerland at the net following victory in his Men’s Singles final during Day thirteen of The Championships – Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Cecchinato said that given the status of the Big 3 in men’s tennis and how they continue to distinguish the sport with their accomplishments even into their twilight years, one can expect them to continue their dominance for some time yet.
“…considering that we are talking about the champions who have made tennis great, I would not be surprised if their domination continues for a long time,” the Italian said.
In his last Tour action, the 28-year-old lost in the second round in Dubai to veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet. He also made an opening-round exit at the Australian Open after losing to American Mackenzie McDonald.
