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Frances Tiafoe has never hidden that she is a huge fan of Roger Federer. This year, the 24-year-old American tennis player had the satisfaction of beating Rafael Nadal in the round of 16 at the US Open, only to lose in the semi-finals to future winner Carlos Alcaraz after a great five-setter.
In this 2022, the American managed to reach and improve his best ranking to 17th place worldwide. Tiafoe, in an interview, spoke of Roger Federer as the greatest of all time, comparing him to what Michael Jordan was for basketball.
In an interview during a podcast of ‘El Viejo y los Tres Podcast’ he made the following statements: «I would say MJ. You think of MJ and you think that ‘brother’ was crazy and you think of Federer…»
When asked if the comparison with MJ23 (winner of six rings with the Chicago Bulls) meant considering Federer the best tennis player in history, Tiafoe answered without hesitation: «Absolutely. Although Rafa (Nadal ndr) has won more Grand Slams» .
In fact, the Mallorcan tennis player, thanks to his successes in the last two slams of 2022, first surpassed and then was +2 behind his eternal friend/rival, Roger Federer. Tiafoe then compared Rafael Nadal’s mentality to that of Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.
«I would say Giannis, just because of the way he approaches the game and the effort he puts into each one.» Finally, Tiafoe, who is a huge basketball fan, also chose a basketball alter ego for Novak Djokovic, comparing him to the Denver Nuggets . Nikola Jokic, current NBA MVP and winner of the prestigious award for two seasons.
«You like him, but you’re also in awe of his greatness. This guy is a phenomenon. Same goes for Novak. Not the prettiest game ever, but these guys can do it.» Frances Tiafoe had a brilliant 2022 campaign with the semifinals of the US Open, giving a great performance at home and confirming herself as one of the best of the present and future of the game for the United States.
In 2023 he will go for new objectives, such as continuing to climb in the ATP ranking.
Hurkacz opens up to Federer
Polish tennis sensation Hubert Hurkacz recently recalled his historic win over Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2021. «I’ve always loved watching Roger Federer play.
He is an incredible player and person. If he could borrow anything from his game, it would definitely be the way he was committed to his shots, his plan and his ideas. That was something really incredible,» Hurkacz said.
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