This generation belongs to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, but once upon a time even they had their idols. A legend in his time, former Argentinian player Guillermo Vilas has had a lasting effect on the Swiss-Spanish duo.

In ‘Guillermo Vilas: Settling the Score’, a documentary about the Argentinian, Federer and Nadal speak of the influence of this great player. His story is one heavy-hearted tale of tennis.

“Guillermo was one of those players who left a mark”: Roger Federer

Although regarded as one of the best players on clay court, Vilas couldn’t make it to the top rank. Apparently, it was not him but the old ranking systems of the tennis game that kept him away. Based on an average points system, the rules meant the more you played, the more you dropped the points. His tally at the end of his career is still unbelievable (950 wins for 293 losses).

While Roger Federer’s career is far more glittering than most, it does not lessen his admiration for Vilas.

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“He was an incredible fighter, will never get tired, should have been world No. 1 but okay, the ranking system was different at the time and it didn’t reward playing a lot.”

However, the Argentinian still managed to enchant many with his game. With four Grand Slam titles and 62 ATP singles titles, Vilas remained at the peak of his game until retirement.

Federer adds, “Guillermo was one of those players that left a mark, especially when it comes to the work ethics for the next generation of players.”

But Federer is not the only one who admires Guillermo. World No. 2 Rafael Nadal is also an admirer of the former player.

“Push the opponent out of their comfort zone”: Guillermo’s lesson to Nadal

Nadal, however, goes back to their encounter at an early stage of his career.

“I remember something he told me when I was quite young. He told me anyone can run from one side to the other, but running forward and back was always a bit more complicated.”

‘The King of Clay’ continued, “You must try to push the opponent out of their comfort zone.”

Words of wisdom from someone you look up to can indeed change your life. On the same lines, Federer and Nadal have pushed and challenged each other consistently. It could also be said that their great rivalry is a big part of their great individual success.

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