/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2024/06/14/image-98283490-28e2-416f-8d30-768d31b13be7-85-2560-1440.jpeg "Roger Federer hopes Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray can ‘keep playing forever’ – ‘They’re so good’ – Eurosport")
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Roger Federer wishes his legendary rivals Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray could “keep playing forever” as the ‘Big Four’ era starts to wind down.
The Swiss tennis legend called time on a historic 24-year career at the Laver Cup in London in September 2022.
Nadal and Murray are both in the twilight of their careers, with both players potentially retiring before the end of the year.
Federer was the first of the ‘Big Four’ to call it a day, and he has been blown away by the longevity of Nadal, Djokovic and Murray.
“I was watching Roland-Garros last week and I was like: ‘Wow, they’re so good – I used to do that too!’ I feel so distant to my career. I start to forget the things I’ve done, the records. It’s more of a beautiful past on the road.
“It’s been a great life and now having this distance is a great place to be in.”
“I really don’t think there are any words of advice that I can give him,” said Federer about Murray.
“Retirement is so deeply personal. When you take that decision, everybody is in a completely different circumstance.
“We’ve gone through similar things but I’m too far away to give advice. If he called me up, I’d be happy to answer some questions.
Andy Murray con Roger Federer
Image credit: Getty Images
“He’s had this massive hip issue and what he is doing is inspirational.”
Nadal is targeting a return to the clay at Roland-Garros during the Olympics after suffering a first-round elimination at the French Open last month.
Federer admits he would have struggled to play at Nadal’s intensity in the latter stages of his career.
“Effortlessness is a myth, as we now know,” he said.
“Everyone is very different. For some, it’s their only way of playing by showing that grit.
“For me, I needed the balance. I could not go through a career with Rafa’s intensity.
“He’s running around the locker room getting intense. I was looking at him thinking: ‘Jeez, I’d be tired before getting on court.’
“We both can’t do it the other way and that’s why there’s so much mutual respect between athletes and players. Me, Rafa, Novak or Andy, we do it all our own way and all roads lead to success.”