Rising Russian star Andrey Rublev has termed 19-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer as the greatest player of all time.
World No. 39 Rublev, who is the second youngest player in the top-50 of the men’s rankings was in conversation with Spanish media outlet Marca. The Moscow resident also praised Federer’s arch-rival Rafael Nadal for his remarkable comeback in 2017. Nadal, who had a torrid time on the court in 2016 went on to claim his 10th French Open title and a third US Open crown in 2017.
“I always thought that Rafa, whatever happened and no matter how many problems he had, would win again. And Federer is the best in history. They changed tennis and they are still the best.”
However, Rublev predicted that Federer and Nadal’s records will be broken if not soon, but some day there will be a player who will surpass them.
“I am sure that in the future there will be someone better than them. In sport it has always been like that. It may be a long time but there will be substitutes.”
Rublev spoke about his own schedule, disclosing that he likes to spend time with his friends during the weekends.
“Most of the time I’m training and when I’m not playing I’m flying to a new destination. If it’s a weekend, I sleep a little more, go to the movies or have dinner with friends.”
Regarding his goals for the 2018 season, Rublev answered he never sets goals for himself rather he is working on improving almost every area of his game.
“I try not to set goals. What I think is to do my job as best I can every day and improve in all facets. When you expect something, and it does not come out you get frustrated.”
