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Roger Federer: Andy Murray ‘not sure’ if he enjoyed coaching

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Roger Federer

Roger Federer: Andy Murray ‘not sure’ if he enjoyed coaching Novak Djokovic, talks about being compared to Serbian, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Roger federer: Andy Murray admitted he was “not sure” whether he enjoyed coaching Novak Djokovic, while speaking at an event in Glasgow.
Murray, a 38-year-old three-time major winner, became long-time rival Djokovic’s coach last November.
However, the pair parted ways in May, with Serbian great Djokovic admitting that he “couldn’t get more” out of their partnership.
On his short spell coaching Djokovic, Murray, who only retired after last summer’s Olympic Games, told Glasgow’s SEC Armadillo, via The Times: “We had a chat on the phone and he asked me if I would consider coaching him, which I wasn’t expecting.
“I think it was a pretty unique opportunity. I was really enjoying being at home, but I thought I should give it a go and see whether I enjoyed it. I’m not sure if I did.”

READ MORE : Roger Federer: Naomi Osaka’s coach reveals what you can’t

Murray is arguably Britain’s greatest tennis player since Fred Perry, with the Scot winning the 2012 US Open, followed by the 2013 and 2016 Wimbledon Championships.
Such success is elevated by the fact that it was achieved in an era dominated by Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
When asked if it ever bothered him that the trio were portrayed as “the big three” of his era, Murray added: “It’s not important.
“It’s not something I lose any sleep over at night. I’m fully aware that what those guys achieved is far greater than anything I’ve done.
Roger Federer
“I would never claim to be on the same level as them.”
On his own career, Murray said: “It was special…and I didn’t do a good job of celebrating those good times and acknowledging the achievements and stuff.
“I regret that. My perspective has changed hugely since I finished playing. I do look back and I feel proud about what I achieved. It feels like a really, really long time ago already.”
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50-50 court again ?: Rafael Nadal made his feelings clear on

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Rafael Nadal

50-50 court again ?: Rafael Nadal made his feelings clear on rematching Roger Federer in £1m half-clay, half-grass court contest

Rafael Nadal has previously spoken about the possibility of playing Roger Federer on a 50-50 court again. Having won a combined total of 42 Grand Slams, Nadal and Federer will forever be etched in tennis history as two of the greatest.

During his career, Nadal dominated on clay as he won 14 French Open titles.

Federer was the man to beat on grass, having lifted the Wimbledon trophy on eight occasions.

The match was labelled as the ‘battle of the surfaces’ and the court reportedly cost over £1 million to construct.

In front of 7000 fans in Mallorca, Spain, Nadal took the first set 7-5 before Federer bounced back to take the second 6-4.

The third set was a roller coaster ride as it swung one way then the other.

In the end, it was Nadal who came out on top as he won the tie break 12-10.

After the match, Nadal stated that he would like to do it again.

He said: “It has been a nice experience, although before the match I thought it would be a disaster because I felt it would be very difficult for me to adapt to the court.

“I have had a good time and that is important.”

Rafael Nadal

READ MORE : Roger Federer: The Tennis legend Roger Federer’s Starting Confession: Fear

The Spaniard continued: “Both of us would like to repeat this experience because, although the match was not a real one, it allowed us to play for points without much tension and to play more relaxed.”

Meanwhile, Federer said: “I found the court to be excellent, especially the clay part. The challenge was difficult, because you have many things in your head.

“You have problems to work out about how you are going to play on either side of the court. On the grass, I felt at the start that I was moving very well, although it took me a while longer to adapt to the clay.”

Federer called time on his career back in 2022 before Nadal stepped away from the sport in 2024.

Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer once played an exhibition match on a 50-50 court.

Nadal and Federer are two of the greatest tennis players of all time, having won a combined total of 42 Grand Slams between them.

Along with Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, they make up the ‘Big Four’ of the modern era.

Nadal is widely regarded as the King of Clay, having dominated the French Open by winning the title on 14 occasions.

Meanwhile, Federer’s dominance came at the All England Club in London, where he won Wimbledon eight times.

Rafael Nadal

READ MORE : he called it ‘perfect’ Roger Federer shunned Wimbledon when

As two of the best the sport has ever since, the pair played a rather unusual match back in 2007.

The meeting was dubbed the ‘Battle of Surfaces’ and was played in Mallorca, Spain, on a half-and-half court. The court had clay on one side and grass on the other, and it cost over £1 million to construct.

At that time, Federer was the top player; he was the world number one and was on a 48-match win streak on grass. Meanwhile, Nadal was three years unbeaten on clay.

Speaking ahead of the much anticipated match, Federer said: “We are both looking forward to this absolutely new event. The idea really appeals to me as we both dominate one of the surfaces.

“It’ll be fun to find out what it’s like to play on a court with mixed surfaces! And it ought to be interesting to see who chooses the better tactic.”

In front of 7000 fans, Nadal took the first set 7-5 before Federer bounced back to take the second 6-4.

The third set was a roller coaster ride as it swung one way then the other.

In the end, it was Nadal who came out on top as he won the tie break 12-10.

After the match, Nadal spoke of the experience of playing on a half and half court.

He said: “It was a good experience, although before the game I thought it would be a disaster because I felt it would be very difficult for me to adapt to the court.”

Federer called time on his career in 2022 before Nadal decided to retire in 2024.

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he called it ‘perfect’ Roger Federer shunned Wimbledon when

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he called it ‘perfect’ Roger Federer shunned Wimbledon when naming the best match of his career – he called it ‘perfect’

Roger Federer named a left-field choice for the favourite performance of his illustrious career, and he surprisingly didn’t pick a Wimbledon match.

Roger Federer won 20 Grand Slams between 2003 and 2018, with the majority of them coming on the grass of Wimbledon

The Swiss star was dominant at SW19 in the 2000s, winning six out of seven tournaments at Wimbledon between 2003 and 2009.

Despite this, Federer opted for a match on the hard court as his favourite performance from his entire career.

Roger Federer names 2004 US Open performance as favourite

Roger Federer

 

Federer opted for a 2004 US Open Final performance against Lleyton Hewitt as the best performance of his career.

The Swiss superstar dropped just six games against the former World No. 1 to secure his fourth Grand Slam. The tennis legend described the match as ‘special’.

“That match was perfect. I was on top of the world,” said Federer to Eurosport. [I was] world No. 1 and showed the world that I was a deserving world No. 1 and it was against a guy who I respect so much.”

2004 was a good year for Federer and the US Open win was his third Grand Slam of that year, after also capturing the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Strangely, Federer didn’t opt for a performance at Wimbledon as his best and favourite despite the SW19 event being kind to the Swiss star.

The star won eight Wimbledon crowns, including five in a row to equal Bjorn Borg’s incredible record at the grass court tournament.

Roger Federer’s least favourite match is much more predictable

Roger Federer

While the Swiss star opted for a slightly surprising choice for his best performance, his least favourite match is much more understandable.

Federer chose his Wimbledon 2008 final against Rafael Nadal as his least favourite as he succumbed to the Spaniard in a five-set class.

“Just because the way it ended in the darkness with Rafa,” said Federer in the same interview, explaining his painful choice.

“There was so much on the line. It needed a winner,” he added. “And it went his way. And it was heartbreak.”

Federer bounced back from his Wimbledon defeat to Nadal by winning the next year’s event in 2009.

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Rafa Nadal: “If Carlos Alcaraz has the ability to remember

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Rafael Nadal

Rafa Nadal: “If Carlos Alcaraz has the ability to remember me while he plays, he’s the bomb”

Rafa Nadal gives free rein to the sport that attracts him the most at the moment: golf. The tennis legend went to Pula Golf Resort, in Mallorca (Spain), to support the charity tournament that raises funds against ALS ‘The Battle of Stars’.

He reviewed the themes of the Holy Trinity that are part of his daily life: tennis, golf and Real Madrid. Still with memories of the great tribute paid to him at Roland Garros 20 days ago, Nadal recalled the final that will be remembered by the fans.

When asked if he had heard Carlos Alcaraz say that he had thought of him to inspire the comeback against Sinner, Rafa smiled: “If he already has the ability to think of me at that moment, it’s already amazing,” he said. “It was a very exciting, spectacular final. In the end, to finish with the cup in his arms after so much time close to Jannik taking it away from him was… I’m very happy for him. It was a match for the history books and I also feel sorry for Sinner because despite how hard the match was for him, he had an impeccable attitude.”

Rafael Nadal

READ MORE : Coco Gauff French Open winner Joyfully Decleared Serena

“I don’t have the feeling that I would like to be there, at Roland Garros, or anything like that. I experienced the tournament as a spectator, with the illusion of seeing a place that has been very important in my sporting life and enjoying tennis without more. That is my new reality without thinking beyond,” he continued.

In life with only one of the members of the Big Three in action, Nadal confirmed that he is not surprised by the level of the tennis players now. “That’s when I was playing you asked me. In the end, tennis is more important than any player. Every year there will be Grand Slam champions and each one will make their own way and surely new stars will always appear. Now there are two players who are far above the others, who are two great champions and who will have to make their way. Tennis is in good hands.”

Rafael Nadal

 

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In the evaluation of the tournament that competes this week, he described it as “different”. “It’s true that I’ve played some more serious amateur tournaments, let’s say, but here it’s about having fun and supporting this cause above all. The competitiveness, well, you always like to win, but it’s not the same as maybe a more official tournament,” he said, breaking the ice after having played three rounds at Augusta National and 36 holes each day at Sawgrass this spring.

Rafael Nadal

“Augusta is spectacular. Maybe with St. Andrews, which I haven’t been to, it’s the most iconic place in the world of golf. To have the opportunity to play there three rounds is an unforgettable experience,” he added.

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Federer, Nadal or Djokovic? When Serena Williams settled the GOAT debate

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Serena Williams

Legendary 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams weighed in on the debate surrounding the greatest male tennis player of all time in 2021. 

Tennis fans often argue among the Big Three of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, who have won 294 titles overall, with Federer winning 103 before retirement, Nadal ending his career with 92 and Djokovic currently bidding to win his 100th title at the ongoing 2025 Australian Open.

Speaking five years ago during a press conference at the Williams Emilia-Romagna Open in Parma, Williams ultimately chose Federer, citing the 103-time titlist’s exceptional talent, on-court elegance and impact on the sport.

Tennis news - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will leave 'enormous emptiness' - Eurosport

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“I think two words sum it up: Roger Federer,” Williams said in 2021. “He’s just a synopsis of greatness and class and amazing and really changed the game. You see players playing like him, moving like him, doing his techniques. The guy is a genius.”

“I just feel like he is really the greatest player. You can’t not like the guy, that’s how I feel. His game is so fantastic. If I could only play like him.”

Williams retired from tennis in 2022, with her final match against Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the US Open.

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“He brings so much energy on the court”: Novak Djokovic claims Carlos Alcaraz ‘reminds’ him of Rafael Nadal

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Novak Djokovic Carlos Alcaraz Rafael Nadal

Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic has stated that Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz reminds him of former world number one Rafael Nadal.

The 21-year-old is already regarded as one of the best players currently playing in men’s tennis in the singles category along with the likes of Italy’s Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic, who is currently taking part in the ongoing Australian Open, was asked by the media about the possibility of facing the reigning world number three in the quarterfinal of the first Grand Slam of the year. In response to that, the former world number highlighted that seeing the young Spaniard play reminds him of the legendary tennis star Nadal who recently retired from the sport after winning 22 Grand Slam titles.

Novak Djokovic reveals wish for his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz

READ: Djokovic: “In that Melbourne hotel they gave me food that poisoned me”

“I mean, it’s quite far to talk about potential matchup against him in quarters,” he said. “But just overall, you know, he brings so much energy and intensity on the court. From that perspective, reminds me a lot of Rafa. Just such a complete player. He can hurt you from anywhere on any court on any surface. He has shown that. His versatility is amazing. That he was able at such a young age to reach that level of tennis and I think mental maturity on the court, which is impressive. Makes him one of the best players in the world the last three, four years, without a doubt. He’s winning slams every year now consecutively for few years in a row. I’m sure that he’s not going to stop here. We’re going to see Carlos many years to follow.”

Djokovic registered his place in the second round after beating America’s Nishesh Basavareddy with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. The contest lasted more than three hours. On the other hand, Alcaraz secured his spot in the round of 64 after beating Alexander Shevchenko in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 7-5, 6-1.

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(Watch Video) Serena Williams Pays Touching Tribute to Rafael Nadal, Says ‘Choked Up With Rafa’s Retirement’

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Serena Williams Rafael Nadal

Former American tennis star Serena Williams has paid tribute to Rafael Nadal with a touching video after the 22-time Grand Slam champion retired from professional tennis.

A 92-time tour-level champion Nadal, who spent 209 weeks at No. 1 in the ATP Rankings, wrapped up his glittering two-decade-long tennis career with a loss in his country’s Davis Cup quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands. He retired as second in the men’s standings for most Grand Slam titles with 22 majors, of which record 14 he won on clay court of Roland Garros.

Serena, who herself is a 23-time Grand Slam winner, posted a video on Instagram in which she can be seen donning a Nadal t-shirt and his signature headband to say farewell to the Spanish great.

READ: ‘They Still Think It Was a Fluke’ – Venus Williams Boldly Confronts Unfortunate Misconceptions About Her and Serena Williams

Williams, who appeared alongside Nadal at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, later posted on X,

After the match, in a video compilation, sports stars including David Beckham, Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, Andy Murray congratulated him on his incredible career.

“Your tenacity, fighting spirit, and the infectious energy you brought to the court will be studied and will inspire countless future generations. I’ve been privileged to call you my rival,” said Serbian great Novak Djokovic, who shared obe of all-time great rivalries with Nadal.

“The tennis world, and indeed the sporting world, will profoundly miss the incredible energy you brought to the game. There”s so much to celebrate and cherish around your legacy,” he added.

Murray added, “The passion and intensity you played with was something I think all tennis players aspire to, and what all tennis fans will remember you for. It has been incredible watching you.”

Injury has impacted the last few years of Nadal’s career though, and he has not played a tour-level match since the Paris Olympic Games in August, where he lost in the second round to his long-time on-court rival Novak Djokovic. Due to injuries continuing to affect his body, he has only been able to play 19 matches this season.

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Tickets for Rafael Nadal’s final match on sale for ‘insane’ cash sums

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Rafael Nadal

The countdown is on to the final event of Rafael Nadal’s tennis career and the scramble to be present to witness his farewell in Spain is reaching fever pitch.

The 38-year-old, who won 22 grand slam titles, including 14 at the French Open, revealed the news in an emotional video message posted on X.

Nadal, who is a 14-time French Open champion, has struggled with various injuries over the last couple of years that have limited him to a handful of tournaments.

Rafael Nadal Officially Announces Retirement From Tennis

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Last year he announced he expected 2024 to be his final season, and it became increasingly clear through the summer that the end was nigh.

“I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis,” said Nadal in a video message.

“The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations.

“It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But, in this life, everything has a beginning and an end.”

Nadal confirmed his final event will be playing for Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month in what will be a fitting and emotional end to an illustrious career.

With the final of the biggest competition in team tennis taking place in Spain, this will be one of the most emotional events in the history of the sport, as the local fans will get a chance to bid farewell to one of their nation’s ultimate sporting icons.

Nadal could be playing alongside Carlos Alcaraz if the duo revive their doubles partnership with last summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, with tickets for the Davis Cup Final selling out in double quick time.

Spain’s semi-final against the Netherlands sold out in double quick time and fans have also snapped up tickets for the host nation’s potential semi-final.

Tickets for the final are also all gone, with all matches for an event that will see world No 1 Jannik Sinner play for Italy and Taylor Fritz playing for the USA set to be played in front of sell-out crowds.

The demand for tickets is highlighted when you look at the ticket resale sites, with two tickets together courtside for the Spain vs Netherlands quarter-final tie listed at a staggering £11,848 (US $15456), and two more tickets on sale for an eye-watering £24,680 (US $32200).

Malaga has proved to be a hugely popular venue for the Davis Cup Finals and even though Spain were not taking part last year, Netherlands captain Paul Haarhuis was among those impressed by an event that has become a fitting finale to the tennis season.

“Malaga has proved to be a fantastic city to host the Davis Cup Finals,” said Haarhuis, as he spoke to Tennis365 earlier this year.

“Last year was exceptional because even when Spain didn’t qualify, every match was sold out. Netherlands vs Italy in Malaga was completely full and that is what the Davis Cup needs.

“What makes the Davis Cup special is the crowds and over the last couple of years, we played our matches in February it was an amazing atmosphere.

“After both matches, our players said to me this was the best atmosphere they ever had and that’s what we want in this competition.

“What we saw in Malaga last year was fantastic for the Davis Cup and hopefully we can have more of the same this year.”

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Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner sent warning in Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer claim

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Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

Pablo Carreno Busta believes it is too early to assume Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will “reign for the next 20 years” as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic did. 

The former world No 10 declared he does not think the future will belong only to Alcaraz and Sinner and argued other players will “make things difficult for them.”

Alcaraz and Sinner are the two leading stars of their generation and they have split the four Grand Slam titles between them this year.

Branded to Be the Next Fedal”: Novak Djokovic Supporter Targets Rivals' Fans Again for Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz Injuries - The SportsRush

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Sinner won his maiden major at the 2024 Australian Open before adding the US Open crown, while Alcaraz secured the French Open and Wimbledon titles to take his Grand Slam tally to four.

The duo are the only ATP players born after 1996 to win a Grand Slam title, with 2021 US Open winner Daniil Medvedev, who is 28, is the next-youngest major champion in men’s tennis.

Some analysts expect Alcaraz and Sinner, who are 21 and 23 respectively, to form a ‘Big Two’ in men’s tennis and dominate the sport in a similar way to that of the ‘Big Three’ of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.

In an interview with Punto de Break, Carreno Busta argued it is premature to suggest Alcaraz and Sinner will be unstoppable forces for the next two decades.

“They are still very young, both Sinner and Carlos,” said the Spaniard. “It is clear that they are very good, but we already assume that they will reign for the next 20 years as Roger, Rafa and Novak did.

“Many things can happen, it is not easy to maintain the level of demand for so long, or the level of success to share the four Grand Slams, as has happened this year.

“New people can also come, another very good player can appear who is four years younger than Carlos, for example.

“I do not think that the future belongs only to these two players, others will come who will make things difficult for them, but it does look like these two are going to be there for many years.”

Carreno Busta, who missed large periods of the last two years due to injury, also spoke about what changed on the ATP Tour during his absence.

“Sinner has improved a lot, Carlos has consolidated himself, Novak finds it a bit more difficult to win… but I have noticed the big difference in the rest of the players, especially in the top 20 and below,” he assessed.

“Players who were good when I left, but were in the top 60 and top 80; now they are already in the top 30.

“Arthur Fils, Alexei Popyrin, Jordan Thompson. I need to play against these players again to see where they are, because they are not where I had left them (laughs).”

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Carlos Alcaraz reveals Rafael Nadal Davis Cup wish as retirement rumours grow

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Carlos Alcaraz Davis Cup Rafael Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz expressed his hope that the Davis Cup Finals are not Rafael Nadal’s “last dance” after the 22-time Grand Slam winner was selected as part of the Spanish team.

Nadal joins Alcaraz in making up part of captain David Ferrer’s team for the Finals, which will take place in Malaga this November.

Spain last won the men’s team event in 2019 where they were anchored by Nadal, who had won the French and US Open titles earlier that season.

Alcaraz hopes Davis Cup will not be Nadal's 'last dance'

However, rumours are swirling that this year’s event could be the final tournament of the 38-year-old’s career, after repeated physical issues over the past two seasons.

Nadal has not played since the Olympic Games in Paris, where he fell in the second round of the men’s singles to Novak Djokovic, and reached the doubles quarter-final alongside Alcaraz.

The former world No 1 was set to play the Laver Cup this past weekend but pulled out – with Alcaraz proving to be the main star of the event.

Speaking just under two months ahead of the Finals, Alcaraz revealed that he does not “want to think” about the possibility of Nadal retiring at the tournament.

“It’s always great having Rafa around,” said the world No 3.

“I miss him. I’m not going to lie, I missed him in the Laver Cup. Obviously, as much time as I can spend with him, it’s a privilege for me.

“I don’t want to think that it’s a potential last dance for him in Malaga. I just want to enjoy seeing him on court as much as I can.

“It’s great support having him in the team. He can bring a lot of experience to the Davis Cup.”

Alcaraz played a key role in securing Spain’s place at the Finals, winning two singles rubbers and a doubles rubber in his nation’s successful qualification campaign in Valencia two weeks ago.

After guiding Team Europe to Laver Cup glory, the French Open and Wimbledon champion returns to ATP action at the China Open in Beijing

Alcaraz is the second seed in the Chinese capital, only behind world No 1 Jannik Sinner, and comes into the tournament feeling confident after his Laver Cup performances in Berlin.

“I played great matches in the Laver Cup, which helped me a lot to have more confidence coming to this tournament,” added the 21-year-old.

“I beat Ben Shelton, who was playing great, and Taylor Fritz, who came from the final in New York.

“Having those victories, it’s great for my confidence and level to come here with extra energy knowing I’m ready to do a good result, knowing that I have a really tough draw.”

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