Roger Federer has been called “unreal” by one of his tennis contemporaries, Andrey Rublev. Federer celebrated his 40th birthday last Sunday, making him 17 years older than the Russian star.
Rublev discussed being astonished by the Swiss legend reaching the Wimbledon quarter-final in July after having barely played any tennis for over a year.
Federer has been struggling with a knee injury for the best part of 18 months, and underwent two separate surgeries on his right knee in 2020.
Rublev said: “I’m sure I’m not going to be the first one to say this, but [Roger Federer’s Wimbledon QF run] was something unreal, something unbelievable. He’s the only one who could make it.”
Rublev continued to eulogise about the 20-time Grand Slam winner’s career and ability, expressing that he wasn’t shocked by his progress at Wimbledon. He said: “By the way, I’m not really surprised because this is Roger, he breaks so many records.
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Rublev’s comments could be seen as a slight towards Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, both of whom are also competing at a high level despite their senior age compared to many on tour.
Djokovic in particular may feel aggrieved given that he won the title at Wimbledon at age 34.
All three of the tennis superstars have had less than ideal preparation for the US Open.
Nadal has injury concerns to match those of Federer, having limped to defeat in the Citi Open in Washington last week before withdrawing from the National Bank Open in Toronto before his second round match.
