'At almost 40, Roger Federer still moves superbly,' said Aslan Karatsev

Aslan Karatsev has been one of the players to watch so far in 2021, reaching the Australian Open semi-final as a qualifier, winning the Dubai title and playing in the Belgrade final.

Born in 1993, Karatsev grew up watching Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. When they retired, the Russian set his eyes on Roger Federer, enjoying in the Swiss' prime years and dreaming about playing against him in the future. Aslan praised Roger's unique style and longevity in a recent interview, saying he is still an incredible mover just a few months before turning 40.

"I like Agassi, Sampras. When they left, I watched Roger Federer. The game that he produces can't be compared with anything. It's not that he remains an idol; I would like to play against him.

Since childhood, I have looked at him, watching him performing; that's why I would love to face him. It's phenomenal that he's playing till the age of 39. I don't know how he keeps himself in such physical shape; it's a rarity. It's phenomenal to move like that almost at 40," Aslan Karatsev said.