Roger Federer: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic easier to face - Kohlschreiber explains why
ROGER FEDERER is a much tougher opponent than Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic because he always capitalises on mistakes.
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That’s according to Philipp Kohlschreiber, who has lost all 13 matches against Roger Federer throughout his career.
Despite Federer just turning 37, he remains at the top of the game with Nadal, 32, just ahead of him as the world No 1 ranked men’s player.
It has been an extraordinary 15 years of dominance by the two tennis legends with Federer slightly edging it in terms of Grand Slams.
The Spaniard may be unrelenting on clay but Federer has proven tough to beat on every other surface.
Djokovic also looks back to his best after beating the Swiss star in the Cincinnati Masters last week following his triumph at Wimbledon.
But Federer remains the favourite heading into the US Open next week.
And Kohlschreiber believes there is one main reason the 20-time Grand Slam champion is still regarded as the toughest opponent on the ATP Tour.
"Maybe the biggest difference between him and [Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray] is that he takes the first chance,” Kohlschreiber told ESPN.
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He doesn't care if he makes 10 mistakes
“Murray is a great returner, but if you survive the return, he lets you play.
“If you hit to Rafa's backhand, maybe you get time to play the point.
“Maybe Djokovic on hard courts is more aggressive than the other two, but Roger is completely different.
“He doesn't care if he makes 10 mistakes.
“If you are short, he attacks, he comes to the net, and we all know he does this combination well.
“It's never great to lose so many times against one opponent, but if I have to pick the best losses [over my career], they're the ones I played well against him.
“I hope he continues to play a few more years, myself also. It would be great to at least win once."