infosstation

Tennis

Thanasi Kokkinakis Reveals His Thoughts on Roger Federer's Tennis

2024-11-28

During the UTS in Frankfurt, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Denis Shapovalov vividly recalled their encounters with Roger Federer. Kokkinakis, who achieved a victory over the Swiss at the Miami 2018, shared his profound perspective on facing Federer. He stated that no one makes one feel more powerless than Federer. "I've never witnessed him sweat. Moreover, he possesses the largest calves in the Tour. If he had shaved his legs, the game would have been over. It seems as if he isn't even trying. He's teasing you. At least Rafa screams when he plays; you can sense that he's being dominated at a certain moment. Nole slips, but Federer gives the impression of making fun of you while on the court," he analyzed.

The Impact of Roger Federer on Opponents - Tales from the Tour

The Canadian tennis player, Denis Shapovalov, revealed how the Swiss Maestro could utterly dominate his opponents, making him feel like a junior player. "I faced him in the semifinals in Miami, and he had just defeated excellent players like Tiafoe or Rublev. On the court, I felt like a child. It was truly astonishing," he explained.

Thanasi Kokkinakis' Insights

Kokkinakis' memories of facing Federer are etched in his mind. He recalled the intense battles and the unique aura that Federer exuded. "Playing against him was a different experience altogether. It was as if he had a certain magic that made every point feel crucial. His calm demeanor on the court was both intimidating and inspiring. You could see the respect and admiration that other players had for him, and it added to the pressure," he continued. He also shared how Federer's consistency and ability to adapt to different situations were his greatest strengths. "He always found a way to turn the tide of the match. Whether it was with his powerful serves or his precise groundstrokes, he could dominate any opponent. It was a lesson in tennis for me to witness his skills up close," he added.

Denis Shapovalov's Encounter

Shapovalov's match against Federer in Miami was a defining moment in his career. He described the feeling of being overshadowed by the Swiss Maestro. "When I stepped onto the court against him, I knew it would be a tough battle. His presence alone was enough to make me nervous. But it was also a great opportunity to learn and grow as a player. I tried my best to keep up with him, but it was clear that he was in a different league," he said. He also mentioned how Federer's sportsmanship and respect for his opponents set an example for the entire tennis community. "Even in the heat of the moment, he always showed respect to his opponents. That's something that I will always remember and try to emulate in my own career," he added.Roger Federer's retirement in 2022 left a lasting impact on the tennis world. His dominance on the Tour for over 20 years was unparalleled. Many players had the privilege of facing him and were inspired by his achievements. "His legacy will live on in the hearts of tennis fans around the world. His style of play, his sportsmanship, and his determination are qualities that will be remembered for generations to come. He truly was a tennis legend," said a former opponent.In conclusion, Roger Federer's impact on the sport of tennis cannot be overstated. His matches against players like Kokkinakis and Shapovalov were moments that will be cherished by tennis fans for years to come. His contributions to the game will continue to inspire future generations of players.