Roger Federer Says Depth More in Men’s than in Women’s Tennis

Following the third round at the Wimbledon Championships 2019, World no.3, Roger Federer spoke on various subjects during the press conference. The Swiss tennis star was asked about some of his earlier comments on whether it is harder for younger players to win Grand Slams.

Roger Federer was looking at the situation from a physical point of view, especially for players under the age of 20. The interviewer then cited the example of teenage sensation, Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff and her progress so far in the Grand Slam.

Roger Federer said, “I don’t see a reason why younger women’s players should run into physical issues or not win, you know, tournaments young. I think it’s possible she seems developed. She’s moving great. I think it’s one of her great strengths. And her mind, which is not usually the case when you look at younger players.”

Roger Federer then cited himself as an example and put himself in her shoes. He confessed, “I was terrible at 15. Couldn’t be on a court for longer than an hour and a half. I would walk away. I think on the men’s side, maybe at 15 it’s not possible, I don’t think, to go through a Slam.”

Roger Federer then spoke about the likes of Rafael Nadal, Boris Becker and Bjorn Borg in their youth.

“At 17 and 18, what Rafa did or (Boris) Becker did or (Bjorn) Borg did, I think it’s possible.”

“I do believe the depth is bigger on the men’s… side, so you need to beat better players every round, whereas maybe in the past I don’t think the depth was as great.”

He did say that probably back in the day, there were more players who were ‘specialists’ at a certain surface. Roger Federer surmised that due to that, the situation was likely more complicated, compared to today’s era.

On a parting note, he reaffirmed his stance that the physicality of the game was not an issue for Cori Gauff.