World No.5 Karolina Pliskova has described the current form of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as ‘amazing.’
Federer has become the oldest ever world No.1 at the age of 36 following his triumph at the Rotterdam Open. In Sunday’s final, the Swiss player thrashed Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-2, to win his 97th title on the tour. Returning to the top of the emirates rankings 14 years after he first appeared there. The continued success of Federer has drawn admiration from 25-year-old Pliskova.
“I think for me Roger’s not playing better than he was playing couple of years ago, but right now he has found a great shape,” Pliskova told reporters on Sunday.
“I feel like he’s enjoying what he’s doing. It’s always fun to watch him.”
It isn’t just Federer that has drawn praise from the Czech. Rafael Nadal has also got a special mention. Last year the Spaniard created history by winning the same grand slam title for a tenth time at the French Open. During that season he returned to world No.1 and won a total of six tour titles. He biggest tally since 2013.
“By having Nadal there, I think it helps him (Federer) remain ultra competitive. This is helping both to get better still, although they don’t even have to play because they have won so many things. But they’re still trying to be the best.” Pliskova evaluated.
“For them, I think to get back to No.1, it’s amazing and special.”
This week is Federer’s 303rd as world No.1 and his first since 2012. He leads second place Nadal by 345 points. It is unclear as to when the Swiss maestro will return to the tour with uncertainty cast over his participation in next week’s Dubai Tennis Championships. Federer is set to make a decision during the early part of this week. Meanwhile, Nadal will return to action at the Acapulco Open. He hasn’t played on the tour since retiring injured from the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
As for Pliskova, who has spent eight weeks at the top of the WTA rankings, she is currently participating in the women’s Dubai Tennis Championships. She is seeded third in the draw.
