The praise of which past great would mean the most?

Russeljones

Talk Tennis Guru
Recently we had the "Agassi: Federer the best of All Time, Now" thread, which made me ask myself the question as a Federer fan: the praise of which past great for Roger would mean the most to me? I have to say it has to be Pete Sampras. And I know it's an odd formulation, since it really should be the players who care who appraises them and how, but I mean it more as a measure of appreciation from someone of the stature to 'be able to pass judgement' i.e. not Andy Murray saying Djokovic is the best tennis player to ever pick up a tennis racquet (hypothetically speaking).

Pete Sampras was a giant in terms of doing what one does best and being consistently the best at it. I think Roger Federer transcended that in terms of adapting (and his superior clay court record attests to that) but in terms of pure spectating pleasure they're dead even for me. This is why Pete's appreciation for Roger is the most telling for me.

Let me know what you think with regard to your favourite players.
 

tennis_pro

Bionic Poster
Sampras is a well know Lavertard. Even if Federer went on to win 10 more majors Sampras wouldn't acknowledge him as the GOAT.
 

sbengte

G.O.A.T.
This is to help the Fed-haters conjure up a name that is not in the list below :

http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Federer/Federer_they-say.html


“It’s uncanny—he’s never out of place.”
—Tennis legend Rod Laver

"Oh, I would be honored to even be compared to Roger. He is such an unbelievable talent, and is capable of anything. Roger could be the greatest tennis player of all time."
—Laver

"He deserves everything he gets.”
—U.S. tennis star Andy Roddick

“He's got everything. He's a legend. Now he's an icon. He's got 15 majors—that's a lot of majors. That's a lot of work.”
—All-time great Pete Sampras

“The Greatest? I have to give it to him. The critics say Laver, and Nadal's beaten him a few times, but in my book he is.”
—Sampras

“He stays back better than me, his backhand is better, and his forehand is just as good.”
—Sampras

“For the next four or five years, his competition will be the record books.”
—Sampras

“Roger is the best player in the world.”
—Sampras

“The game needs him…let’s hope he has the same drive that Sampras had for so long.”
—Hall of Famer Jack Kramer

“He’s creating every point as it should be.”
—Former Swiss Davis Cup coach Jakob Hlasek

“This is a guy who buys drinks for photographers and thanks reporters who show up for his press conferences.”
—Sportswriter Rene Stauffer

“Roger has this natural instinct for getting better—and he did. I find that incredible. I always had someone to tell me if something was wrong. He just feels it.”
—Swiss star Martina Hingis

“I wish I could play like Roger Federer.”
—Superstar Serena WIlliams

“He’s a really great guy. He respects people.”
—Doubles partner Jonas Bjorkman

“His shot-making is second to none.”
—Australian star Lleyton Hewitt

“Tennis has never seen anything quite like him.”
—Sportswriter S.L. Price

“In this age of nuclear equipment and super-sized players, Federer plays with the deftness of long-ago men of modest size in long white slacks, rolled-up shirtsleeves and wooden rackets.”
—Sportswriter George Vecsey

"He's the most gifted player that I've ever seen in my life. I've seen a lot of people play. I've seen the (Rod) Lavers, I played against some of the great players—the Samprases, Beckers, Connors, Borgs, you name it. This guy could be the greatest of all time. That, to me, says it all."
—Tennis legend John McEnroe

"If you want to be a tennis player, then mould yourself on Roger Federer. I won three Wimbledon titles and I wish I could play like him."
—McEnroe

"Roger’s forehand is the greatest shot in our sport."
—McEnroe

“This guy is the real deal, and his game is the whole package.”
—Broadcaster Patrick McEnroe

“He can hit from anywhere on the court and plays with elegance.”
—McEnroe

“You can talk to Roger like a simple man on the street.”
—Swiss tennis official Roger Brennwald

“Roger is a magician.”
—Russian star Marat Safin

“He’s young and explosive and has a powerful game.”
—All-time great Andre Agassi

“He’s a genius.”
—2004 French Open Champion Gaston Gaudio

"We have a guy from Switzerland who is just playing the game in a way I haven't seen anyone - and I mean anyone - play before. How fortunate we are to be able to see that. If he stays healthy and motivated - and the wonderful feel he has stays with him - he is the kind of guy who can overtake the greatest."
—All-time great Boris Becker

http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Federer/Federer_they-say.html
 

urban

Legend
Most alltimers have praised Federer, but they also praised Nadal and now Djokovic. For Federer they have a - very legitimate -soft spot, because he plays a kind of classical tennis with the one-hander on the backhand. But those citations are not always complete. I think, Laver's citation was in 2006 or 2007 in the context of a possible Grand Slam. After 2008 and 2010, some citations by Sampras and McEnroe (and Laver himself) became a bit more reluctant. Laver, when asked about goat, he is constantly referring to the best of era argument, that one cannot compare and cross-value eras.
 

stringertom

Bionic Poster
They name tennis stadiums after the Kings of Praise. In my book, the highest praise would come from one we lost too early to evaluate Rogi...Arthur Ashe. His critique would not be limited to the subject of Rogi's game. His demeanor and off-court philanthropy would gain high marks from The Graceful One.
 

kiki

Banned
Too bad, Laver appears to be a ******* (see post above)

I can hardly find any quotes from the past greats about Ralph :(

easy.Laver was so praised by the Perrys,Budges,Kramers and former past player that he feels it wouldn´t be fair if he didn´t pay any kind of tribute to the Borg,Mac,Sampras or Federer that came after him.It is a courtesy matter.I wish Federer would be able to do that in the next 20 or 30 years
 

CMM

Legend
Too bad, Laver appears to be a ******* (see post above)

I can hardly find any quotes from the past greats about Ralph :(

".... He brings more than tennis to the court and that's something special. He has an attitude, an enthusiasm and a love for the game and the competition. That is a huge part of him and I like to see that."
(Jimmy Connors, Wimbledon 2006)

"Nadal is gritty and not afraid to get dirty. That’s my kind of guy."
(Jimmy Connors, tennis.com 2011)

“I don't think I have that sort of poetic side to me really, you know. I would have been proud to shake the hand of anybody that beat me, really. Maybe a little bit more him just because of how I've admired him grow as a player. I've seen him since he's been pretty young out there. I've seen him improve. I've admired this record that I never thought would get beaten, Vilas' wins on clay, the way he's gone after Roger in all their battles. You know, there's just a lot to respect about the guy. Then when you get out there and feel his game, you can only tip your hat to it.”
(Wimbledon 2006, Agassi after his last match in Wimbledon)

"I enjoy watching him play. He always gives 100%.
He is kind of an artist on the clay."
(Bjorn Borg, USA Today, May 2008 )

“He beat me when he was just 14-years-old. I consoled myself thinking that I had lost to a future Grand Slam winner.”
(Pat Cash, June 2005)

“If Nadal had stocks on stock exchange, it would be good to buy them now because the price will begin to rise”
(Brad Gilbert, January 2005)

"You can only react with awe and admiration when you watch Rafael Nadal playing tennis. He is an incredible athlete with so much discipline, so focused and with such passion. I am at a loss to find words to describe his game appropriately. I have rarely seen anyone dealing with every ball with such attention. With a passion and joy that it is fun to watch him. You can associate with him everything what makes tennis so beautiful."
(Steffi Graf, June 2009 )

"By the way he acts in the players lounge and the locker room, you can already see it: he’s a leader, a winner. You don’t even have to stand on the court to see that. He’s an alert guy, cool, determined, vigorous, respectful. This guy simply has class. And the way he has played in the previous year was gruelingly good. I followed the Wimbledon final with my mouth wide open. I could only be utterly amazed by so much class."
(Tommy Haas, January 2009 )

"Rafa is a blessing to tennis. Nadal brings something to this sport that nobody else does: enthusiasm (illusion). He is not only a great player, but also tennis' sparkling light, the most charismatic player of them all. I'm not surprised that my children adore him."
(Richard Krajicek, Nov 2006)

Beckham asked Murray who the greatest player he had ever played was - Murray answered Nadal.
(April 2009, TV Show “Soccer AM” (UK) featuring David Beckham and Andy Murray)

“When I see him play, I see similarities with me and my own game – but it’s just comparing a Formula 1 car from 10 years ago to those that are racing now”, he laughed. “It actually is a compliment, comparing him to me; some years ago, I thought the comparison was just interesting, but now I’m really honoured to be compared to him – plus, he is a modest guy and he has already achieved more than I did. I hope he’s going to break all the records I established.”
(Thomas Muster, August 2006, Pete Bodo's blog as reported by Miguel Seabra)

"What Nadal has done on clay over the past three years is nothing short of remarkable. To be as dominant as he has been, winning 100 out of 101 matches! That's one of the greatest achievements in the history of tennis, and I don't feel like it is recognized to the extent it deserves."
(Pete Sampras, si.com - Friday, 2 May 2008 - Justin Gimelstob's blog)

"And between Federer and Nadal... Nadal, I have always supported Nadal. Roger is perfection, Rafa has to fight on every single shot, he has to suffer. Maybe he's more human and that's why I like him."
(Francesca Schiavone, 10 June 2010, Tuttosport)

"I admire Nadal for his attitude and his discipline. I really like him in that sense as an athlete. He is really simple and always gives his best."
(Marin Cilic, June 2010, timesonline.co.uk)

"rafa nadal best ever on clay.... period."
(Andy Roddick, June 2010, Twitter)

"I love the guy. As a player I think he's the best thing that has ever happened to tennis. I play so much tennis, but he's the only guy I love to watch. I have a lot of respect for him as well."
(Andy Murray, The Independent, July 2010)

"Rafa, the best thing that happened to men's tennis. Nadal much more charismatic than Federer, brings much more energy to the public & will win more Slams than Federer"
(Yevgeny Kafelnikov, August 2010)

"Did you guys watch Rafa? I was really happy to see him win the US Open, he is such a great champion. It is amazing what he can do on a tennis court."
(Maria Sharapova on her facebook page)

Asked whether he was more impressed by Swiss ace Roger Federer or Spanish star Rafael Nadal, Ivanisevic told the Salzburger Nachrichten: "Nadal, because his game has more character and more physical than Federer’s performances. Federer’s game is inimitable and elegant, but I personally prefer Rafa."
(Goran Ivanisevic, November 2010)
 

Hood_Man

G.O.A.T.
I don't feel I need someone else's opinion to validate my own, all the past greats could turn around and call Federer all sorts of names and criticise him etc, and it wouldn't matter to me.

If Agassi thinks he's the best or if Borg doesn't, it doesn't bother me.
 

vernonbc

Legend
".... He brings more than tennis to the court and that's something special. He has an attitude, an enthusiasm and a love for the game and the competition. That is a huge part of him and I like to see that."
(Jimmy Connors, Wimbledon 2006)

"Nadal is gritty and not afraid to get dirty. That’s my kind of guy."
(Jimmy Connors, tennis.com 2011)

“I don't think I have that sort of poetic side to me really, you know. I would have been proud to shake the hand of anybody that beat me, really. Maybe a little bit more him just because of how I've admired him grow as a player. I've seen him since he's been pretty young out there. I've seen him improve. I've admired this record that I never thought would get beaten, Vilas' wins on clay, the way he's gone after Roger in all their battles. You know, there's just a lot to respect about the guy. Then when you get out there and feel his game, you can only tip your hat to it.”
(Wimbledon 2006, Agassi after his last match in Wimbledon)

"I enjoy watching him play. He always gives 100%.
He is kind of an artist on the clay."
(Bjorn Borg, USA Today, May 2008 )

“He beat me when he was just 14-years-old. I consoled myself thinking that I had lost to a future Grand Slam winner.”
(Pat Cash, June 2005)

“If Nadal had stocks on stock exchange, it would be good to buy them now because the price will begin to rise”
(Brad Gilbert, January 2005)

"You can only react with awe and admiration when you watch Rafael Nadal playing tennis. He is an incredible athlete with so much discipline, so focused and with such passion. I am at a loss to find words to describe his game appropriately. I have rarely seen anyone dealing with every ball with such attention. With a passion and joy that it is fun to watch him. You can associate with him everything what makes tennis so beautiful."
(Steffi Graf, June 2009 )

"By the way he acts in the players lounge and the locker room, you can already see it: he’s a leader, a winner. You don’t even have to stand on the court to see that. He’s an alert guy, cool, determined, vigorous, respectful. This guy simply has class. And the way he has played in the previous year was gruelingly good. I followed the Wimbledon final with my mouth wide open. I could only be utterly amazed by so much class."
(Tommy Haas, January 2009 )

"Rafa is a blessing to tennis. Nadal brings something to this sport that nobody else does: enthusiasm (illusion). He is not only a great player, but also tennis' sparkling light, the most charismatic player of them all. I'm not surprised that my children adore him."
(Richard Krajicek, Nov 2006)

Beckham asked Murray who the greatest player he had ever played was - Murray answered Nadal.
(April 2009, TV Show “Soccer AM” (UK) featuring David Beckham and Andy Murray)

“When I see him play, I see similarities with me and my own game – but it’s just comparing a Formula 1 car from 10 years ago to those that are racing now”, he laughed. “It actually is a compliment, comparing him to me; some years ago, I thought the comparison was just interesting, but now I’m really honoured to be compared to him – plus, he is a modest guy and he has already achieved more than I did. I hope he’s going to break all the records I established.”
(Thomas Muster, August 2006, Pete Bodo's blog as reported by Miguel Seabra)

"What Nadal has done on clay over the past three years is nothing short of remarkable. To be as dominant as he has been, winning 100 out of 101 matches! That's one of the greatest achievements in the history of tennis, and I don't feel like it is recognized to the extent it deserves."
(Pete Sampras, si.com - Friday, 2 May 2008 - Justin Gimelstob's blog)

"And between Federer and Nadal... Nadal, I have always supported Nadal. Roger is perfection, Rafa has to fight on every single shot, he has to suffer. Maybe he's more human and that's why I like him."
(Francesca Schiavone, 10 June 2010, Tuttosport)

"I admire Nadal for his attitude and his discipline. I really like him in that sense as an athlete. He is really simple and always gives his best."
(Marin Cilic, June 2010, timesonline.co.uk)

"rafa nadal best ever on clay.... period."
(Andy Roddick, June 2010, Twitter)

"I love the guy. As a player I think he's the best thing that has ever happened to tennis. I play so much tennis, but he's the only guy I love to watch. I have a lot of respect for him as well."
(Andy Murray, The Independent, July 2010)

"Rafa, the best thing that happened to men's tennis. Nadal much more charismatic than Federer, brings much more energy to the public & will win more Slams than Federer"
(Yevgeny Kafelnikov, August 2010)

"Did you guys watch Rafa? I was really happy to see him win the US Open, he is such a great champion. It is amazing what he can do on a tennis court."
(Maria Sharapova on her facebook page)

Asked whether he was more impressed by Swiss ace Roger Federer or Spanish star Rafael Nadal, Ivanisevic told the Salzburger Nachrichten: "Nadal, because his game has more character and more physical than Federer’s performances. Federer’s game is inimitable and elegant, but I personally prefer Rafa."
(Goran Ivanisevic, November 2010)

Thank you CMM. Great compilation of quotes and I'm sure if you were inclined to spend another hour you would find as many more again from various players and pundits. Fed gets his deserved fair share of plaudits but so does Rafa, just not on this board.
 

NLBwell

Legend
Most tennis players are so nice that they freely praise other players. Maybe from someone not known for being nice. Pancho Gonzales maybe?
 

Talker

Hall of Fame
Too bad, Laver appears to be a ******* (see post above)

I can hardly find any quotes from the past greats about Ralph :(

I think it was Murray earlier this year IIRC that said Nadal was better than Federer.
So Nadal has some support. ( Ralph is Nadal I assume??).
 
This is to help the Fed-haters conjure up a name that is not in the list below :

http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Federer/Federer_they-say.html


“It’s uncanny—he’s never out of place.”
—Tennis legend Rod Laver

"Oh, I would be honored to even be compared to Roger. He is such an unbelievable talent, and is capable of anything. Roger could be the greatest tennis player of all time."
—Laver

"He deserves everything he gets.”
—U.S. tennis star Andy Roddick


“He's got everything. He's a legend. Now he's an icon. He's got 15 majors—that's a lot of majors. That's a lot of work.”
—All-time great Pete Sampras

“The Greatest? I have to give it to him. The critics say Laver, and Nadal's beaten him a few times, but in my book he is.”
—Sampras

“He stays back better than me, his backhand is better, and his forehand is just as good.”
—Sampras

“For the next four or five years, his competition will be the record books.”
—Sampras

“Roger is the best player in the world.”
—Sampras

“The game needs him…let’s hope he has the same drive that Sampras had for so long.”
—Hall of Famer Jack Kramer

“He’s creating every point as it should be.”
—Former Swiss Davis Cup coach Jakob Hlasek

“This is a guy who buys drinks for photographers and thanks reporters who show up for his press conferences.”
—Sportswriter Rene Stauffer

“Roger has this natural instinct for getting better—and he did. I find that incredible. I always had someone to tell me if something was wrong. He just feels it.”
—Swiss star Martina Hingis

“I wish I could play like Roger Federer.”
—Superstar Serena WIlliams

“He’s a really great guy. He respects people.”
—Doubles partner Jonas Bjorkman

“His shot-making is second to none.”
—Australian star Lleyton Hewitt

“Tennis has never seen anything quite like him.”
—Sportswriter S.L. Price

“In this age of nuclear equipment and super-sized players, Federer plays with the deftness of long-ago men of modest size in long white slacks, rolled-up shirtsleeves and wooden rackets.”
—Sportswriter George Vecsey

"He's the most gifted player that I've ever seen in my life. I've seen a lot of people play. I've seen the (Rod) Lavers, I played against some of the great players—the Samprases, Beckers, Connors, Borgs, you name it. This guy could be the greatest of all time. That, to me, says it all."
—Tennis legend John McEnroe

"If you want to be a tennis player, then mould yourself on Roger Federer. I won three Wimbledon titles and I wish I could play like him."
—McEnroe

"Roger’s forehand is the greatest shot in our sport."
—McEnroe

“This guy is the real deal, and his game is the whole package.”
—Broadcaster Patrick McEnroe

“He can hit from anywhere on the court and plays with elegance.”
—McEnroe

“You can talk to Roger like a simple man on the street.”
—Swiss tennis official Roger Brennwald

“Roger is a magician.”
—Russian star Marat Safin

“He’s young and explosive and has a powerful game.”
—All-time great Andre Agassi

“He’s a genius.”
—2004 French Open Champion Gaston Gaudio

"We have a guy from Switzerland who is just playing the game in a way I haven't seen anyone - and I mean anyone - play before. How fortunate we are to be able to see that. If he stays healthy and motivated - and the wonderful feel he has stays with him - he is the kind of guy who can overtake the greatest."
—All-time great Boris Becker

http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Federer/Federer_they-say.html

If I recall correctly, that was a nasty little swipe at Rodger, when he had mono?
 

niff

Legend
If I recall correctly, that was a nasty little swipe at Rodger, when he had mono?
It was praise after the 2009 Wimbo final.
thumbs20up.gif
 

Mainad

Bionic Poster
I think it was Murray earlier this year IIRC that said Nadal was better than Federer.
So Nadal has some support. ( Ralph is Nadal I assume??).

Don't recall Murray making any reference to Federer but he did say that he thought Nadal was the greatest player he had played against (or something to that effect).

Murray has praised both Nadal and Federer in these terms in the past, the only two current players he has referred to in this way!
 

oberyn

Professional
If Bill Tilden managed to compliment any current player from beyond the grave, I'd think that would be very high praise indeed.
 

Talker

Hall of Fame
Don't recall Murray making any reference to Federer but he did say that he thought Nadal was the greatest player he had played against (or something to that effect).

Murray has praised both Nadal and Federer in these terms in the past, the only two current players he has referred to in this way!

That sounds about right.
But it shows what players might say on any given day.

Chris Lewis (runner up at wimbledon final 1983) stopped by one of the forums and was freely posting. :)
He had a lot of nice things to say about Federer and in detail.
 

joeri888

G.O.A.T.
Some sort of past great (still great, but not as great as in the past): Roger Federer.


The guy calls the players that beat him consistently one-dimensional and unimproved. If he thinks you good, you really good.
 

MariaRafael

Banned
I'd go with what Yannick Noah has to say.

Envious one-slam wonder who was a clown, is a clown and will always be a clown like the Spanish will always beat the French in their French backyard, and the French will insult better guys showing their French impotence and gamesmanship.
 

joeri888

G.O.A.T.
Envious one-slam wonder who was a clown, is a clown and will always be a clown like the Spanish will always beat the French in their French backyard, and the French will insult better guys showing their French impotence and gamesmanship.

racist much? 'The French'?? Who is that/are that?
 

NLBwell

Legend
racist much? 'The French'?? Who is that/are that?

Disregarding any judgements on the post that caused this post, "The French," I would assume, would be citizens of France and maybe particularly French tennis players? Also "The French" is not a race.
 
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