Roger Federer ‘forced’ Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray into big change
ROGER FEDERER’s influence on the men’s game has had a profound effect on Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray over the years, according to former tennis star Jim Courier.
Roger Federer says he needs to be 'explosive' at the US Open
Federer yesterday cleared up queries over when he will retire by insisting he has no plans as of yet.
No matter what the 37-year-old achieves from now until the point he calls it a day, he will go down as one of the all-time greats.
No male tennis player has won more Grand Slam titles than his 20 and only Jimmy Connors has won more singles tournaments in the Open era.
Federer’s first Grand Slam title came at Wimbledon in 2003 and has adapted his game to remain at the top of the sport despite challenges from Nadal, Djokovic and Murray.
However, Courier believes it is Federer’s rivals who have to had to change in order to compete with Federer.
“The game evolves and fortunately for Roger he’s been able to move along with it,” Courier said on the Tennis Channel.
“He’s the one who forced a lot of players like Rafa, like Novak, like Andy to get better.
“He’s gotten better too in some areas. The backhand for me especially.
“Once Paul [Annacone] you convinced him that the bigger racket was the right move he was able to quickly turn that into success when he came back from the injury and won the Australian Open [in 2017].
“For me, he’s been a timeless player who’s game has actually evolved.”
While Federer has enjoyed consistent success at Wimbledon, he has struggled to repeat the achievements from early in his career at the US Open.
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He won five consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows between 2004 and 2008 but hasn’t won there since.
The Swiss star got off to a comfortable start in this year’s edition, beating Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in straight sets.
Next up for the World No 2 is Frenchman Benoit Paire, who came close to causing a shock at the Halle Open this year.