Federer States Nadal Lacks Drive & Consistency

Published : February 16, 2010 :: 15:02:17 [ 3,595 views ]

World number one tennis player Roger Federer has stated that he has more drive than his main rival, Rafael Nadal. Also mentioning that despite talk of a calendar Grand Slam sweep his main focus for the season was to retain the world number one ranking.

International, the 16^th of February 2010 [PDN]: Since his Australian Open win last month, talk has intensified over the possibility of Federer completing a clean sweep of the Grand Slams this year, especially since his main rival, Nadal, struggles to overcome persistent knee injuries. “I’ll try, that’s for sure,” Federer explained when questioned about the possibility of him completing a sweep of the Grand Slams. “But it’s not even number one on my to-do list. I’ll just try to defend my number one position.”

Federer acknowledged Nadal’s threat to his success, although mentioning that he did not believe the Spaniard had the ambition and drive to be the world number one. “The first moment when I became number one in the world was six years ago now and it was a magical moment in my career,” Federer said. “It was pretty special and I always wanted to get back there. Some people have that drive more than others who’ve been number one. Rafa doesn’t seem like he cares as much for number one, or he doesn’t show it.” Federer stated to an unnamed news agency reporter.

The other players believed to be able to ruin his chances of completing the Grand Slam sweep according to Federer, are: Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Juan Martin Del Porto and Nikolay Davydenko. Federer also mentioned that he thought Briton Murry was now on top of Nadal’s game after the Australian Open failure.

Comments

achilles

said :

I am a big fan of both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. True, Roger Federer is my favourite, but I am bemused by this quote , if it is in fact accurate and not taken out of context. If anything it has been Nadals unparalleled drive and work ethic to secure the number 1 that has left him injured . Sure question some of Nadals decisions but not his drive.

If Federer meant that currently Nadals drive to be number 1 , is not the equal or Roger then I can agree. However this is not a result of motivation or work ethic it is in fact just taking one step at a time.I get the impression that Nadal is trying to achieve small goals with number 1 as the ultimate goal. I wish Nadal lots of luck and I hope he overcomes his injuries. Courage pour les deux .

Email : achilles190@yahoo.ca Date : 2010-03-08 01:40:16

Tony

said :

I agree with Vinny.

Email : tony_basilio2003@yahoo.com Date : 2010-02-18 22:02:34

Harry

said :

Great article, imo. Federer states correctly that Nadal clearly lacks the big match temperament and should consider mixed doubles (probably with some hulking Russian lesbian partner) if he wants to get anywhere near Roger's grand slam tally.
Smart bit of gamesmanship from the Swiss master there. Over to you, Rafa!

Email : Harry@hatred.com Date : 2010-02-18 13:21:32

Vinny

said :

This is ridiculous.
Federer was just repeating what Nadal has stated all along. He doesn't care about the number 1 ranking.
Nadal just wants to win slams.
While the number 1 ranking is more important to Federer (he's got a good chance to beat Sampras as most week as number 1)
Nothing wrong with both goals, he's just saying they have different priorities.
Sensational garbage article

Email : vinny_ho@hotmail.com Date : 2010-02-18 08:34:55

Sharon

said :

is this thing a joke? Where does Fed say Nadal lacks drive and consistency? He is only qouting Nadal who has repeatedly stated he's not really concerned about the ranking. how could the author of this article choose such a title? Shame.

Email : niloofar-iz@yahoo.com Date : 2010-02-16 23:44:12

said :

This is sensationalist rubbish. Federer said he didn't think Nadal had the drive to reclaim the #1, sort of like "been there, done that" and wants to focus on other things like slams and fitness. Federer also mentioned that he believed Nadal would be back to his best very soon and people writing him off and "picking on him" were just doing the same that they did to him last year. How about putting things in context instead of twisting and adding sensational headlines?

Email : kerryreed0@yahoo.com Date : 2010-02-16 22:40:55

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