In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Sumit Nagal recalled his first and only match against Roger Federer at the US Open 2019. Nagal said: “Roger Federer was a tennis whiz. You never knew what to expect from a player like him.
he would use short back to force you forward and stuff like that. He had an unlimited arsenal of shots. You were aware of it, but then you had to see what you were capable of doing and what you weren’t.” In a long interview with Eurosport Germany, Tommy Haas also wanted to pay homage to Federer.
He told: “Roger Federer is an incredible man both on and off the court. You always have fun with him. He has a wonderful outlook on life and it’s great to spend time with people like him. He’s just insane what he’s accomplished.
He has combined effectiveness and constancy in the best possible way. In the period from 2004 to 2006, he played heavenly tennis. He was from another planet.”
Roger Federer’s farewell
Among the highlights of 2022 it is impossible not to mention Roger Federer’s retirement, which was a real blow to the heart for all tennis fans.
The former world number 1 played his last official match at the Laver Cup, the exhibition he founded in 2017. The King joined forces with his arch-rival Rafael Nadal to take on Americans Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock at London’s O2 Arena, before receiving a stunning tribute that left everyone in tears.
The Swiss had tried a timid return in 2021, playing just 13 official matches and stopping again after Wimbledon. The condition of his right knee prevented him from continuing to compete at the highest level and his age did the rest. Once his knee gets better, the 20-time Grand Slam champion plans to stage several exhibitions.
