The leading lights from the world of tennis have been paying tribute to record-breaker Roger Federer.
The leading lights from the world of tennis have been paying tribute to record-breaker Roger Federer
Record-breaking Roger Federer can lay claim to being the greatest player the world of tennis has ever seen after he secured his 15th Grand Slam title.
His epic five-set victory over Andy Roddick in the Wimbledon final means the Swiss has now surpassed Pete Sampras' record haul.
And the tributes to Federer's feat have been flowing in, with a number of the game's leading lights hailing his exploits.
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Pete Sampras: "I think you have to give it to him. The critics say (Rod) Laver, and (Rafael) Nadal's beaten him a few times in majors. But he's won all the majors, he's won 15 now, he's going to win a few more. In my book he is (the greatest)."
Andy Roddick: "Roger is a true champion and he deserves everything he gets."
Rod Laver: "Roger's got too many shots, too much talent in one body. It's hardly fair that one person can do all this - his backhands, his forehands, volleys, serving, his court position... the way he moves around the court, you feel like he's barely touching the ground, and that's the sign of a great champion."
Bjorn Borg: "He simply does not have any more weaknesses left in him. It is such a pleasure to see him play. To me, Roger Federer is the right model for anyone aspiring to be a tennis player. It is such a pleasure to just watch him play. His shot-making has got better and I doubt there is any shot he cannot make in any part of the court."
Jimmy Connors: "[In the modern game], you're a clay-court specialist, a grass-court specialist or a hard-court specialist... or you're Roger Federer."
John McEnroe: "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."
Mats Wilander: "I'd like to be in his shoes for one day to know what it feels like to play that way."
Tim Henman: "I don't think there's anyone that hits the ball like that. Sure, if you take Roddick's serve and (Andre) Agassi's returns and my volleys and (Lleyton) Hewitt's speed and tenacity, then you've probably got a good chance against Federer."
Tiger Woods: "What he's done in tennis, I think, is far greater than what I've done in golf."
Tracy Austin: "I've never enjoyed watching someone playing tennis as much as Federer. I'm just in awe. Pete Sampras was wonderful but he relied so much on his serve, whereas Roger has it all, he's just so graceful, elegant and fluid - a symphony in tennis whites. Roger can produce tennis shots that should be declared illegal."
Serena Williams: "Roger is obviously a pinnacle athlete across all sports and he just does a great job. He's so graceful out there. I love watching him play. I learn so much from him."
