“He should have been number one in the world”: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal pay tribute to Argentine legend



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This generation belongs to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, but once even they had their idols. A legend in his time, former Argentine player Guillermo Vilas has had a lasting effect on the Swiss-Spanish duo.

In ‘Guillermo Vilas: Settling the Score’, a documentary about the Argentine, Federer and Nadal talk about the influence of this great player. His story is a big-hearted tennis story.

“Guillermo was one of those players who left their mark”: Roger Federer

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – SEPTEMBER 19: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (R) attend the Laver Cup Gala at HEAD Geneve prior to the 2019 Laver Cup at Palexpo on September 19, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the world compete against their European counterparts. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament will run from September 20-22 (Photo by Ian Gavan / Getty Images for Laver Cup)

Although regarded as one of the best clay court players, Vilas failed to reach the top. Apparently, it wasn’t him, but the old tennis ranking systems that kept him away. Based on an average point system, the rules meant that the more you played, the more points you lost. His account at the end of his career is still incredible (950 wins to 293 losses).

While Roger Federer’s career is much brighter than most, it does not diminish his admiration for Vilas.

“He was an incredible fighter, he will never tire, he should have been the No. 1 in the world, but that’s okay, the ranking system was different at the time and it wasn’t rewarding to play much.

However, the Argentine still managed to charm many with his game. With four Grand Slam titles and 62 ATP singles titles, Vilas remained at the top of his game until his retirement.

Federer adds, “Guillermo was one of those players who made an impression, especially when it comes to the work ethic for the next generation of players. “

But Federer is not the only one who admires Guillermo. World No. 2 Rafael Nadal is also a fan of the former player.

“Taking the rival out of his comfort zone”: Guillermo’s lesson to Nadal

Rafael Nadal with Roger Federer
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 7: Rafael Nadal of Spain greets Roger Federer of Switzerland during a practice session during the Championships Middle Sunday – Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 07, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Matthias Hangst / Getty Images)

Nadal, however, returns to meet him early in his career.

“I remember something he said to me when I was very young. He told me that anyone can run back and forth, but running back and forth was always a bit more difficult. “

‘The King of Clay’ continued, “You have to try to get the opponent out of his comfort zone.

Words of wisdom from someone you admire can change your life. Along the same lines, Federer and Nadal have constantly pushed and challenged each other. It could also be said that their great rivalry is a large part of their great individual success.

Read also: Novak Djokovic surpasses rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in another prestigious record at ATP Vienna



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