“Will Always Be the Greatest Champion of All-Time”: Ski Legend Expresses Unchanging Admiration for Roger Federer

There is hardly anyone left whom tennis great Roger Federer has not impressed. Be it with his effortless and therapeutic playing style or his mammoth records, the 39 years-old is tennis’ priceless possession. Recently, Lindsey Vonn, considered to be the greatest skier of all time, expressed her admiration for the Swiss maestro.

Von is a record-holding woman and second all-time alpine skier with 82 World Cup victories. Last year, at 34, she became the oldest woman to have won a bronze medal in women’s downhill. After that, she retired from the race circuit. But she finds her resemblance in the 20 times Grand Slam winner, Roger Federer.

“Roger Federer gives so much to the sport”: Lindsey Vonn

With growing age, injuries became a consistent part of every tennis tour for the Swiss. However, taking the time off, recovering, and coming back to the sport has been Federer’s routine for some years now.

“He wants to play tennis as long as he can. Like I was skiing. But at some point, the body may say: ‘No, it’s too much.’ I don’t know where Roger is in this process,” said Lindsey. Federer’s undying spirit has undoubtedly kept tennis alive.

Read More: “Understand Signs of the Body”: Roger Federer Explains How He Overcomes Severe Injury Pains

She added, “He’s so passionate about tennis–that’s why he’s been playing for so long. He gives so much to the sport. The sport is no longer the same without him.”

There will come a time ahead when he will hang his racket, but Vonn has professed she will remain on his side forever.

(All quotes are translated via Google Translate)

“I was and am a Roger fan until the end”: Vonn

The Swiss’ arch-rival Rafael Nadal equaled the former’s 20 Grand Slam tally at the 2020 French Open, a triumph Vonn called ‘incredible’. But there is nothing that can deviate her from the Federer fan club.

She said, “I was and am a Roger fan until the end. For me, Roger will always be the greatest champion of all time. He plays with so much grace, is so balanced. And he’s wonderful to the fans and people. You can hardly do better than Roger.

“If Nadal breaks Rogers’ record, some will say he is now the greatest. For others, Roger still stays ahead. These discussions will always be there.”

To Vonn’s delight, Federer will return at the 2021 Australian Open. The question is: will he be able to maintain, if not exceed, his greatness in the sport?

Also Read: “Try to Play as Long as Possible”: Roger Federer Reveals What His 50-Year-Old Self Would Advise Him