Interviewed by the portal India.com, Mahesh Bhupathi12 times Grand Slam champion, four times in doubles and eight in mixed doubles, paid tribute to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Bhupathi, who retired in 2016, explained: “I have always been a huge fan of Roger Federer, he is a magician on the tennis cour.
However, the statistics do not lie and it is hard to believe that Rafael Nadal has been 14 times champion in Paris, leaves me speechless. Roland Garros is the most physically demanding Grand Slam, which makes his achievement even more exceptional.
We know everything Rafa has been through in recent years and he himself admitted that he had to anesthetize his foot in order to play. His foot was completely numb during the tournament, but he still managed to win. We are talking about a truly special athlete .”
Nadal has not yet lifted his reservations regarding his participation in Wimbledon, which begins on Monday 27 June on the lawns of Church Road.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup
A few days ago, Roger Federer practically confirmed that he will not return to play before the Laver Cup.
The 2022 edition will be staged at the O2 Arena in London from 23 to 25 September. The former world number 1 will also play the ATP in Basel, which will return to play after the last two editions had been canceled due to the pandemic.
The Swiss champion is still struggling with rehabilitation after yet another surgery on his right knee, which became necessary after the quarterfinals reached at Wimbledon last year. The 20-time Grand Slam champion only played 13 official matches in 2021, never managing to express himself 100 %.
Fans are hoping that the King can treat himself to one last ride to end his legendary career worthily. In a recent interview, the 40-year-old from Basel congratulated Rafael Nadal on his umpteenth triumph at Roland Garros. The Spaniard has hoisted himself to 22 Majors, further elongating Federer and Djokovic in the all-time rankings.