“They are the highest icons of our sport,” Roger Federer said of his Big 3 rivals.
By Alberto Amalfi | @Tennis_Now | Monday, December 11, 2023
Roger Federer closed his brilliant career shoulder-to-shoulder with rival Rafael Nadal.
The Swiss Maestro hopes to see Nadal rise again in 2024.
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The 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal launches his return in Brisbane next month.
In an interview with Chinese television network CGTN’s Sport Scene, Federer said he hopes Nadal “comes back very strong next year.”
💬Roger #Federer:
“I hope Rafa (#Nadal) come back very strong next year. And I hope Novak (#Djokovic) can keep on playing as long as he wants because it’s just really good for the game to have these guys still in the game.”@Big3Tennis @norinchi_df @nadalnews @NovakFanClub pic.twitter.com/Pt5a99Xg4l
— CGTN Sports Scene (@CGTNSportsScene) December 7, 2023
Federer said he hopes 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic continues competing as long as possible because the presence of his iconic Big 3 rivals is great for the sport.
“I hope Rafa comes back very strong next year. And I hope Novak can keep on playing as long as he wants because it’s just really good for the game to have these guys still in the game,” Federer told CGTN’s Sports Scene. “They are the highest icons of our sport. I felt very happy and fortunate to play 40 to 50 times against each other, so I have a lot of memories of many of great matches and battles.
“I have answered questions about them many times and can only say the best about them. It’s been fantastic to share the court with them for so many years.”
Photo credit: Laver Cup Facebook