Every tennis player has their own specialization. The legend Serena Williams is famous for her forehand, Roger Federer for his one-handed backhand, and an injury-riddled Nick Kyrgios even specializes in tweeners. But a dream player specializes in every skill, be it a forehand, backhand, serve, athleticism, or mental toughness. Recently, Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem?revealed his ideal player’s traits.
However, there was one catch. ATP Tour interviewed the young man, who has been plagued with a wrist injury since 2021, and he left out one big name – the recently retired Roger Federer. As Thiem revealed who he thinks is the best in various aspects, fans were not happy with his response. But the fault doesn’t lie entirely with Thiem.
Twiterattis point out a major missing piece in the selection of Dominic Thiem
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In a conversation with ‘ATP Tour,’ the Austrian picked his dream tennis player, as tweeted by ‘The Tennis Channel’. The tweet read, “Dominic Thiem builds his perfect tennis player” and went on to list various parameters. However, Twitter users expressed their disappointment as Thiem could only choose from active players on the tennis professional circuit. As a result of this limitation, Thiem notably missed out on featuring the Swiss legend, Roger Federer, on his list.
A tennis page on Twitter questioned where Federer was and labeled the Austrian as lucky to have won the 2020 US Open.
Lol , and fed? And lucky? Himself in us0pen 2020
— Tennissables (@tennissables) July 28, 2023
Another user wrote that if there were no conditions to choose a player, Federer would be the perfect fit.
If “active players” wasn’t the limitation, you just have to have Federer on this list.
— Marcus (@MJDUB22) July 28, 2023
Yet another user was shaken that the Swiss Maestro did not make it to the list.
Federer is absent?
— Ali Yawer Usmani (@aliusmani) July 28, 2023
A tennis enthusiast and Federer fan tagged Thiem and asked him where the Swiss icon was on his list.
Where is Roger Federer in the @domithiem list? https://t.co/YMkSXuiwmF
— Sajawal Speakes (@sajawal_speakes) July 27, 2023
Yet another hardcore ‘King Roger’ fan made his preferences clear as he picked Federer in every category.
Everything Federer
— TheWorldsHero (@The34612The) July 27, 2023
Another tennis enthusiast went even further. Creating a whole new list, he picked the Swiss legend for his powerful forehand and volleying skills.
Serve – Pete Sampras
Forehand – Roger Federer
Backhand – Stan Wawrinka
Smash – Pete Sampras
Volley – Roger Federer
Return – Novak Djokovic— حسن (@ahcenehellal) July 27, 2023
Another user opined that Thiem should have picked Stan Wawrinka, Federer, or even himself, who plays a one-handed backhand.
He should've picked a one-handed backhand player like Federer o Wawrinka (or himself!)
— theo0110 (@theo011037) July 28, 2023
A Twitter user picked Juan Martin del Potro for his forehand but was quick to notice the absence of Federer.
I'd say forehand Delpo, but wait where is Roger?
— Diana (@DianaSfirlogea) July 28, 2023
The Swiss Maestro is enjoying the tennis fandom’s attention even though he hung his racket a while ago. He also did not disappoint fans with his off-court activities. The world is happy for Federer as he is now pursuing his passions which he never got time to do.
Roger Federer is keeping his fans busy with regular off-court updates
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The 41-year-old has been dedicating most of his time to family. About two months back, Federer visited Lesotho with his kids on behalf of the Roger Federer Foundation. He then went on some fun family vacations and visited his home, Switzerland. In between all this, he even helped Kevin Anderson pull out of his retirement plan when they coincidentally met at a tennis academy.
The most memorable and grand event that fans cherish occurred at the recent Wimbledon Championships. Federer received a long one-and-a-half-minute standing ovation at Center Court. The audience couldn’t resist cheering for him until the Princess of Wales intervened and asked the Swiss legend to take a seat to prevent delays.
Though it has been close to ten months since Federer retired, his professional career of twenty-four years taught and inspired many present-generation players. Players like Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger Aliassime, and Stefanos Tsitsipas are some who consider the Swiss Maestro one of their biggest idols. Federer has surely earned himself a loyal fanbase besides his 103 career titles.
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