Federer blasts young players for not putting up tough challenge in Wimbledon
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Roger Federer has voiced his disappointment in the young playersâ performance, criticizing them for not delivering in recently concluded Wimbledon. He also revealed the reason for his success stating that the young players are not strong enough to challenge âFab-4â, which has been helpful for them.
Federer thrashed Marin Cilic 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 to claim his eighth Wimbledon title without dropping a single set in the entire tournament. His top rivals for the title - Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic - were knocked out in the earlier stage of the tournament which resulted in him getting an easy route to the final. The 35-year-old was shocked with the performance of the young players who were unable to put up a fight in the latter stages.
âEvery generation definitely is different. Since my generation and Rafaâs generation, the next one hasnât been strong enough to push all of us out really, so that has been helpful for us to stick around,â said Federer as quoted by news.com.au.Â
Despite Mischa Zverev's brilliant win in the Australian Open over Andy Murray, using "Serve and Volley", there has been a reluctance on the part of the young players to use the traditional technique. Over the years, Federer has used it to great effect and claimed that it was "great" for him that the next generation
âI have played almost every player here that wouldnât serve and volley. Itâs frightening to see this at this level. I look at the stats and go into whichever round it is and see that the guy Iâm going to face is playing two per cent of serve and volley throughout the championships. Iâm going, âOK, I know heâs not going to serve and volleyâ, which is great,â Federer said.Â
The Swiss Maestro, who returned from a six-month layoff earlier this year, shocked the world by winning the Australian Open. He then decided to take another break and missed the entire
âHonestly, ever since I had the year I had last year, I do think probably like a year ahead of time with my schedule, fitness schedule, tournaments I would like to play. So I totally see myself playing here this time next year,â Federer explained.
âBut because itâs far away, because of what happened last year, I just like to take the opportunity to thank people in the very moment and make them understand, yes, I hope that Iâm back. Thereâs never a guarantee, especially not at 35, 36.â
