Roger Federer’s 12-Year-Old ‘Defense’ Statement Time Travels from Past to Present as Daniil Medvedev Echoes the Swiss Maestro’s Sentiments in Shanghai

Swiss great Roger Federer is one of the finest players that tennis has seen over the years. Throughout his years as a professional player, he has seen a major transformation in the sport, from playing in an all-attacking situation to playing in a defensive style. However, back in the day, Roger Federer depicted the future of tennis.

12 years later, Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev has emulated the Swiss champ’s words and made his way to the top of the game. Currently playing at the Shanghai Masters he has clearly shown that the 20-time grand slam winner didn’t make a mistake when he predicted the way the game will shape up in the future.

Roger Federer’s 12-year-old defense statement comes into the picture as Daniil Medvedev echoes his sentiments

In 2012, tennis maestro Roger Federer made an observation about the evolving landscape of professional tennis. He noted that the sport’s transformation wasn’t primarily in offensive gameplay but in defensive abilities. Federer, who had witnessed the era of aggressive players like Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, emphasized the rising importance of defense in modern tennis. Slower courts, advanced fitness levels, and improved defensive skills had reshaped the game.

“You look at the game of tennis, in my opinion the point which improved or the level that increased in the last 10 years is not the offence, it’s the defence,” said Federer back in the days.

Fast forward to 2023, and Daniil Medvedev is a prime example of Federer’s insights. Medvedev, known for his defensive style of play, is making waves in the tennis world. His remarkable ability to retrieve seemingly unreachable balls, strategic gameplay, and defensive mindset have earned him recognition as one of the top players globally.

Medvedev’s playing style is similar to what Federer predicted back in 2012. He talked about the evolution of tennis towards a more defensive approach, where players not only attack but excel in defence, turning rallies into tactical battles.

“I’ve played on all different speeds. But I think some variety would be nice, some plodding stuff and then some speedy stuff, instead of trying to make everything sort of the same, It’s only on this type of slow courts that you can defend the way we are all doing right now,” said Federer back in the days.

In the recent Shanghai Masters, Medvedev’s performance showcased the significance of defence in modern tennis. His skillful retrieval of shots, ability to counter-punch, and strategic gameplay are examples of what Roger Federer said back in the day.

Thus, Roger Federer’s words from 2012 have come into the picture after Daniil Medvedev has approached a more defensive style which has helped him garnish success and play his best game.

Also read: ‘Made the Train in Time’- South African Sporting Legend Issued a Clarification to the ‘Original’ Roger Federer Owing to a Mistake at Zurich in 2021

Roger Federer is a long-time idol of Daniil Medvedev

Over the years Daniil Medvedev has been an ardent fan of Roger Federer. In multiple interviews, the Russian star has shared his admiration for the former world number 1 while stating that he has got to learn many things from the Swiss international. Known for his charisma on the courts, Medvedev once revealed that Federer helped him learn how to switch his personality and be aggressive and charismatic at the same time.

He revealed that in the locker room, Roger Federer is the kind of a guy who is fun-loving and would make you laugh, smile and crack jokes. However, when it comes to his on-court charisma, he looks in an aggressive mode while willing to make the most of his shots.

Thus, Daniil Medvedev has always found inspiration in his idol Roger Federer. Even today, Daniil Medvedev looks to follow in the footsteps of the greatest player that the game has ever seen. Also, nobody would have thought that 12 years later, a Russian player would have brought light to Roger Federer’s words.

Watch this story: ‘Never Came Out Of My Mouth’ – Serena Williams’ Ex-coach Clears The Air On Controversial Novak Djokovic Verdict As Profound Roger Federer Bias Backfires