Is it fair to say that because of his backhand overhead and overall fluidity of game that Federer is the most athletic tennis player ever?

[McEnroeisanartist]

Is it fair to say that because of his backhand overhead and overall fluidity of game that Federer is the most athletic tennis player ever?

 

[dropshotlikeitshot]

Fed very athletic.

 

[mbm0912]

for sure

 

[Daniel Andrade]

No. Define athleticism.

 

[Mark-Touch]

for sure

That doesn't look like an overhead to me.

 

[Mark-Touch]

Is it fair to say that because of his backhand overhead and overall fluidity of game that Federer is the most athletic tennis player ever?

Yes, absolutely it is fair to say that.
This is one of the greatest posts I have ever read here on this site!

 

[Standaa]

yes.

 

[PeoplesChamp]

for sure

 

[NatF]

Depends on the definition of athletcism. He's often underrated compared to the other greats of this era but I don't think he's the greatest athlete ever in tennis.

 

[Thriller]

Nadal's backhand overhead is better.

 

[TearTheRoofOff]

Nadal's backhand overhead is better.

No.

 

[smalahove]

No. Define athleticism.

I agree that athletism Isn’t the best term/concept to describe where Fed excels with regards to movement and balance. But Fed is by far the best on tour when it comes to technical footwork and efficient and fluid dynamic balance and movement. I would say it’s the same attributes that describe a great dancer, be it hiphop or ballroom dancing.

 

[RelentlessAttack]

Coordination, balance, explosiveness, stamina are all up there at peak. Pretty sure he won’t rank among the top in pure foot speed, vertical, power

 

[Thriller]

No.

Yes.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Nadal's backhand overhead is better.

Never mind that Nadal rarely comes to net and has to hit a BH overhead about twice a year. His sample size is paltry compared to Roger's. In any case, Vilas had the GOAT backhand overhead, it was not as elegant as Roger's, but it was brutal.

 

[TearTheRoofOff]

Yes.

And just like that, the wrong person has feigned a stalemate. Such is life.

 

[Thriller]

ever mind that Nadal rarely comes to net and has to hit a BH overhead about twice a year. His sample size is paltry compared to Roger's. In any case, Vilas had the GOAT backhand overhead, it was not as elegant as Roger's, but it was brutal.

Yeah. Nadal is not a net bluffer. He knows how to construct a point and when to move in for the kill but when he gets there his improv skills are in s totally superior league to Federer's.

 

[UnderratedSlam]

Is it fair to say that because of his backhand overhead and overall fluidity of game that Federer is the most athletic tennis player ever?

No, it is unfair.

It is religious though.

 

[smalahove]

Btw, just as impressive as his directional control on his bh overhead, are his rock solid landings, with a gymnast’s finish.

 

[bostontennis]

no
only fed fans think so for now
with time goes by, he is simply not

 

[vex]

No. Fed’s a great athlete but it’s his skill swinging a racket that makes him special not blazing speed or flexibility. (Tho, again, he has plenty of those attributes). Nadal, Djoker maybe even Andy in his prime are more athletic.

 

[sureshs]

Fed very athletic.

Do I detect the beginnings of a bulge?

 

[MeatTornado]

Yeah. Nadal is not a net bluffer. He knows how to construct a point and when to move in for the kill but when he gets there his improv skills are in s totally superior league to Federer's.

Only 2 of the points in that video were up at the net.

 

[The Blond Blur]

He's a great athlete, but he's not even close to the most athletic guy to play tennis. Borg, PETE, RAFA, Joker, MurrayGOAT, Monfils are all better athletes just to name a few.

 

[Booger]

Most skilled athlete ever (in any sport). Not the best raw athlete by a long shot.

 

[RaulRamirez]

It's hard to say. Fed remains slightly underrated as a "pure jock" and Rafa is underrated for his incredible touch and racquet skills. They both rank very high in both categories, but if forced to pick one, I'd lean to Rafa.

 

[zagor]

Nah, he may be the best tennis player ever but while the role his athleticism played in his success is underrated, he's not at the top there historically speaking.

 

[skaj]

Depends on how you define athleticism. Nadal has an awesome backhand overhead, plus he is faster, stronger, more explosive...(not very fluid though).

Also, executing a great overhead for me is very much a skill. We've seen other players who were skillful, physically gifted and fluid at the same time - Nastase, Noah, Mecir, Edberg, Sampras...

 

[skaj]

Most skilled athlete ever (in any sport). Not the best raw athlete by a long shot.

Not more skilled than Rios.