Tennis News: Roger Federer’s entry into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is something that is certain to happen — it’s only a matter of time — as agreed by a number of his former rivals in ATP tournaments.
One of the big names who congratulated him was Serbian tennis player, Novak Djokovic.
“Roger, congratulations on your induction into the Hall of Fame,” said Djokovic, one of Federer’s fiercest rivals on their head to head record, in a video tribute.
“We all knew this day would come sooner or later and I don’t think anyone deserves it more than you.”
The former world No. 1 won 20 Grand Slam titles and spent 310 weeks at No. 1 during a glittering career that spanned 24 seasons at the highest level. For Djokovic — who is also one of the greatest tennis players of all time — the impact the former Swiss tennis player has had on the world of tennis is very real.
“What you have achieved and what you have represented — and continue to represent — for the sport of tennis and the world of sport in general, is something truly extraordinary and special,” Djokovic continued.
“Thank you for being a great ambassador for our sport. Hope you enjoy a wonderful day with your family while celebrating your incredible career.”
Two other tennis players whose careers have intersected with Federer’s are Gael Monfils and Grigor Dimitrov.
Monfils, who is 39 years old and will also retire this season, has faced the former Swiss national 14 times in ATP tournaments between the 2006 and 2019 seasons.
“You are a great legend and have certainly inspired many people, including myself. Enjoy this time and see you soon on the golf course,” said Monfils.
Dimitrov, who is now 35, added, “To me, you have always been a Hall of Fame worthy figure, I think from the first day I saw you play. You are an incredible role model, both on and off the field, and truly an inspiration to me.”
“I feel like we have so many great memories, both on and off the field, that all go back to our exhibition games at Madison Square Garden and flying together to Indian Wells. I remember reading stories to your little girls when they were little, so I’ve always felt very welcomed by you and your entire family.”
Federer held the record as world number 1 tennis player for 237 consecutive weeks from the 2004 to 2008 season, but he was still able to compete for prestigious world tennis titles even until the 2019 season.
Felix Auger Aliassime, currently ranked 4th in the world, is part of the new generation that emerged at the end of the 2010s season and cannot help but feel the aura of the tennis maestro.
“Personally, I was very lucky to be invited to train with you when I was 17 years old and we had an extraordinary moment,” said Auger Aliassime.
“I learned a lot and over the seasons you have always been very open to sharing your knowledge with the younger generation, so I would like to thank you personally for that. Thank you for all your contributions to this sport, thank you for advancing it, and thank you for the special moments and spectacular shots you have delivered over the seasons.”
Alexander Zverev added, “Roger, what an incredible surprise that you made it into the Hall of Fame! You are the tennis player I always looked up to when I was growing up and my favorite tennis player to watch.”
“Then of course when we play against each other, it’s always a pleasure to be on the court with you and also spend time off the court with you. I’m so happy for you and congratulations again on being inducted into the Hall of Fame.”
Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev — who has never beaten Federer in their three meetings at ATP tournaments, but joins him as a member of the world number 1 tennis club in the 2022 season — recalled while joking about one moment when he was actually happy NOT to have to play against the former Swiss tennis player.
“Congratulations on your induction into the Hall of Fame,” Medvedev said. “I don’t think this is a surprise to anyone! As I’m delivering this message from Cincinnati, thank you so much for losing to Andrey Rublev here and giving me the opportunity to win my first Masters 1000 title. Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!”
Article Tags: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Gael Monfils, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev
Published by Ligaolahraga.com at https://www.ligaolahraga.com/tenis/novak-djokovic-beri- Selamat-atas-pencapaian-terbaru-roger-federer