“Can His Body Handle Seven Matches”: Tennis Legend Questions Roger Federer’s Ability to Win Grand Slam

Rafael Nadal recently won his 20th Grand Slam title at the French Open 2020. The World No.2 equalized the record of 20 Grand Slam titles with Roger Federer after his 100th victory at Roland Garros in the finals against Novak Djokovic.

Federer is 39 at the moment and is last Grand Slam title was at the Australian Open 2018. On the other hand, Nadal is 34 and can still play for another 2-3 years. Recently, Australian Tennis legend Todd Woodbridge explained in an interview that it could be difficult for the Swiss Maestro to win another Grand Slam.

“It’s not about the quality of his play, it’s about can his body handle seven matches at a slam? The actual ball-striking part of his game is probably as good as ever. But the body doesn’t come back as easily. The extra couple of years he’s got on Rafa and Novak makes it tough,” Woodbridge opined.

Woodbridge definitely believes that age has been the biggest obstacle for Federer. It is his fitness which could pose some challenges for him now when he hopefully competes at the Australian Open 2021.

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“Special if they finish on the same number”- Woodbridge on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

The former Australian player doesn’t expect Nadal to retire soon. But, he feels that it would be something special if both Rafa and Roger end their careers with an equal number of Grand Slam titles.

“I don’t expect Rafa to retire, but there’d be something special about them finishing on the same number. I think it would be a testament to the amazing rivalry he and Roger have had, that one of them wasn’t considered better than the other,” added the 49-year-old Woodbridge.

The two players have been part of a legendary rivalry. Popularly known as ‘Fedal’, the two have faced each other on 40 occasions. Nadal leads so far with 24 wins while Federer has won 16. Both have been a part of 14 Grand Slam finals, with the Spaniard leading with 10 victories.

Keeping the rivalry aside, the two legends share a great bond off the court as well. Federer was the first one to congratulate Nadal on leveling his record. Woodbridge even acknowledged this and praised Federer.

“Roger’s message on his social media was very classy and he might have almost been saying, that’s good, let’s just go sailing on your boat now,” concluded the Australian.

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