Swiss tennis great Roger Federer recently played his last tennis match. After a long injury break, the 42-year-old finally made a comeback for one last time. He paired up with his longtime rival and fellow legend Rafael Nadal to play in the doubles leg. However, the legendary duo lost to the American pair of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
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While Federer retired with 20 Grand Slam titles to his name, the 42-year-old is hailed by many as the GOAT of tennis. However, Federer’s old rival Andy Murray thinks Federer is not the best athlete from Basel. Yes, the Swiss city of Basel has another sports superstar. But is he really greater than Federer? Let’s find out what Murray thinks.
Andy Murray gives his verdict on the best athlete from Basel
Andy Murray and Roger Federer are long-time rivals. They have played some exciting matches over the course of their careers. While tennis fans mostly know about Basel because of Federer, Murray has given the name of another sports star who is from the same city. Murray was talking about the English Premier League soccer team, Arsenal’s midfielder, Granit Xhaka.
Andy Murray narrated a funny story about the time he landed in Basel. Here’s what he said: “I messaged Roger [Federer], when I landed in Basel, and I said I just touched down in the city of one of the world’s greatest ever athletes: Granit Xhaka. I know that Granit Xhaka is from here.”
Read more: Swiss Telecom Pays an Innovative Tribute to Roger Federer Following His Retirement From Tennis
The Scot further added, “I’m a huge Arsenal fan. Xhaka is playing really, really well this season. He scored another wonderful goal on Sunday.”
The exciting rivalry between Andy Murray and Roger Federer
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Federer was already an established star on the Tour when Murray arrived on the scene. However, the Scot quickly made a name for himself and started registering victories against the other top three. He met Federer for the first time in the final of the Thailand Open in 2005. Federer won the match in straight sets.
The two met again the next year at the Cincinnati Masters, and Murray registered his first victory against the Swiss ace. Here on, the two engaged in a long rivalry that lasted until 2015.
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In the end, Federer remains on top with a lead of 14-11. However, the marginal difference indicates how well they played against each other. What is your favorite memory of the Murray vs. Federer rivalry? Let us know in the comments.