As Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer pulls the curtain on his illustrious career, he will be seen in action one final time in the Laver Cup. In this exhibition tournament, Federer will be teaming up with long-time rivals Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray as the quartet represents team Europe.
But throughout their careers, all these players have been compared to each other countless times. Murray faded away citing injuries but this shifted the comparisons for the remaining three players. In these debates, the phrase - G.O.A.T or Greatest Of All Time is thrown around. But in the lead to the Laver Cup, Federer has put an end to this debate.
While talking to Associated Press, Federer talked about these constant comparisons and addressed that in the end, all three of them will shake hands as they have made each other better. “People always like to compare. I see it every day with my twins. Without wanting, you compare them. You shouldn’t. We (Big Three) made each other better. So at the end of the day, we’ll all shake hands,” Federer said.
The 20-time Grand Slam Champion described these comparisons as a topic for “good conversation” but deemed them to be “silly”. He also talked about he has been grateful to be a part of the “big three” and will not be able to determine who among them was the best.
“I have always said that it’s wonderful to be a part of that selective group. However, how can you compare? What’s better? To win when you’re old or when you’re young? Is it better to win on clay or grass? Is it better to have super dominant years or come back from injury? “It really is impossible to compare,” the 41-year-old said.
Talking about the Laver Cup, Federer and Nadal will face Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in Doubles action. This would be the last time Federer will be playing his last game in professional ten nis. The doubles match will be played at the O2 Arena in London on Friday, 23 September.