Federer encourages Nadal and Murray to prolong their careers

Legendary Roger Federer believes his two contemporaries Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray are capable of competing at major events in the coming years.

Federer said the rise of young talent was awakening Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal – both in the twilight of their careers. "This is a great time for tennis, the quality of the matches is much higher than before. There are many excellent players, both old and young," he said.

Nadal is likely to retire in 2024, two years after Federer leaves the game. Photo: ATP — Nadal is likely to retire in 2024, two years after Federer leaves the game. Photo: *ATP*

Federer hopes Nadal recovers quickly and returns to top form. "I'm looking forward to seeing Nadal play, and Andy Murray too," said the Swiss legend. "Murray has just won a Challenge tournament while everyone is looking at Djokovic's 23 Grand Slams. I think that's a respectable achievement for Murray. I'm glad he's still playing. Wimbledon will be a good place for him to play a lot of matches."

Federer will retire in September 2022, after the Laver Cup team event with the participation of all the "Big 4". Of the four outstanding players of the 21st century, Murray has the least titles but is the only one to have won the entire collection of major titles including Grand Slam, ATP Finals, Masters 1000 and Olympic gold medal. Federer and Djokovic lack Olympic men's singles gold medals, while Nadal has not won the ATP Finals.

Murray retired to treat a hip injury, then returned to play with a metal hip. He has been playing tournaments consistently for over a year, winning smaller events and climbing to 38th in the ATP rankings.

Nadal is recovering from hip surgery on June 3. The Spaniard has missed most of this season since losing early at the Australian Open. Nadal is unlikely to return until 2024, the season in which the "King of Clay" is expected to announce his retirement. The long layoff has knocked Nadal out of the world's top 100.

While his contemporaries have retired or are struggling with fitness, Djokovic is still at the top of his game. The Serbian has just won a record 23 Grand Slams and has the chance to extend his record at Wimbledon next month. Djokovic is on the verge of equaling Federer's record of eight Grand Slam grass-court titles, thereby increasing the Grand Slam gap with Nadal.

Vy Anh

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