"Roger Federer can make you feel like a junior" - Denis Shapovalov, Dominic Thiem distance Swiss' playing style from Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic
Denis Shapovlov, Dominic Thiem, and Thanasi Kokkinakis recently discussed what set Roger Federer apart from Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. They suggested that the Swiss legend's effortless style of play was a defining factor that separated him from his arch-rivals.
Shapovalov reminisced about facing Federer in the semifinals of the 2019 Miami Open, where the 20-time Grand Slam champion claimed a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory. In a conversation for the UTS tour, the Canadian recalled how the former World No. 1 made him feel like a junior on the court with his brilliance.
Kokkinakis echoed Denis Shapovalov's sentiments, asserting that Roger Federer had the ability to make his opponents look "ridiculous" because the Swiss appeared as if he was simply playing around.
"But Federer can literally make you feel like a junior. Because I played him in Miami semifinals. Dude, I beat good players, I beat Rublev, I beat Tiafoe on the way there. I beat some other guys and I felt like a junior on the court. It was insane," Shapovalov said.
"No one can make you feel more ridiculous than him. Like, I’ve never seen him sweat dude. His hair just stays like that. He doesn’t sweat bro. These are the biggest calves ever. If he shaved his legs, it would’ve been game over for everyone. And also he’s not even trying. He’s just taking the piss," Kokkinakis said.
"He is just messing around. He is like slicing one point, hitting the next," the Canadian added.
In contrast, Thanasi Kokkinakis emphasized that Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's intensity and effort were evident in their grunt and movement.
"At least when Rafa plays, he’s grunting and you’re feeling like you’re getting pushed around. With Nole, he’s like sliding and stuff. Federer just looks like he’s taking the piss," Kokkinakis said.
Shapovalov and Dominic Thiem further highlighted that Nadal was more "predictable" in his shot selection compared to the Swiss legend.
"But to me, they’re so different. I felt like Rafa was so predictable. You knew exactly what he’s going to do but he’s just so good at it that you can’t do anything," Shapovalov said.
"But Roger, you feel like okay, I’m going to play full heavy spin on his backhand. I think that’s good and then first point, you play a really good one to his backhand and he steps in and he goes down the line," Thiem added.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic sent heartwarming messages to Dominic Thiem before his retirement
Dominic Thiem recently retired from professional tennis at the 2024 Vienna Open. Shortly before the Austrian hung up his racket, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Lotterien Sporthilfe Gala, receiving tributes from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
In a heartwarming clip, Nadal congratulated Thiem on the well-deserved honor and wished him well for the next chapter of his life.
"Hey Domi, how are you doing I just want to congratulate you for this lifetime achievement award, very well deserved, very happy for you, you know how much I admire you, and respect you so I wish you all the best, enjoy tonight and see ya around," Nadal said.
Djokovic also sent warm wishes to the former World No. 3 for his farewell tournament, hoping he would enjoy the occasion surrounded by his loved ones.
"Thank you very much for all you have given to all of us, particularly tennis, I am glad that you will have an opportunity to say goodbye in Viena, one last dance, I wish you a great tournament, with all family members present and celebrate it, you deserve it my friend, all the best," the Serb said.
Roger Federer, meanwhile, delivered his message in German, expressing that "tennis will miss Dominic Thiem very, very much."