Roger Federer has Rafael Nadal problem at Madrid Open - Greg Rusedski
ROGER FEDERER is underestimated on clay because of Rafael Nadal, according to tennis pundit Greg Rusedski.
Madrid Open: Don’t underrate Federer says Rusedski
Federer returned to clay for the first time in three years at the Madrid Open this week.
And he is hoping to book a semi-final showdown with world No 1 Novak Djokovic by beating Dominic Thiem this evening.
However, Rusedski believes Federer does not get the credit he deserves on the red dirt because Nadal has been so dominant over the last decade.
“Let’s not forget this guy has been a phenomenal clay-court player,” Rusedski said of Federer on Amazon Prime.
“He has won the French Open.
“Had Rafael Nadal not been around winning all those French titles he may have had another three or four in his pocket as well.
“Don’t underrate him as a guy who cannot win on clay courts consistently.
“People talk about Roger and what a great champion he is but when we talk about clay we only really mention Rafael Nadal.
“We don’t actually give him enough credit for what a great clay-courter he is.”
Federer is said to have picked the Madrid Open to mark his clay-court return because of the quicker playing conditions.
And that is why Rusedski is tipping the 37-year-old to come through a tough challenge against Thiem.
“I like the way conditions are looking,” he added.
“It is looking sunny, hot and quick.
“I think for him it is going to be very important he serves well.
“Dominic Thiem is so far back it will allow Roger to have the first hit.”