Roger Federer and Rod Laver have been acknowledged as one of the greatest players of all time, dominating in different eras but with the same efficiency and elegance in their shots.
There has been mutual respect between two tennis titans ever since they met for the first time. Roger has always pointed out Rod as a potential GOAT, and the Aussie has always loved watching Federer's matches, sharing the Rod Laver Arena court with him in 2014. Speaking about Federer in the recent interview, Laver said that the Swiss is the greatest champion of this era, ahead of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Laver believes that Roger can still win more big tournaments and play competitive tennis at this year's Wimbledon and the US Open.
"For me, I think Roger is the champion of his era. I think he is certainly, you know, you look at his record, and there's a lot to say he is the best of all-time. But give some of the other guys a bit more time; maybe they'll come up and meet and be as good as Roger. Djokovic is undoubtedly on his way, along with Nadal, because he won many tournaments, and his consistency is fantastic.
Roger, when I chatted to him the past year or so, he thought he'd play his best until 40, and I think he is pretty much on it. Unfortunately, his knee has been giving him some trouble. He had an operation on the knee that will set him in a good position. I wouldn't think too much about him winning the French Open, but I think Wimbledon will undoubtedly be there, alongside the US Open.
I think he can win more tournaments; he loves to play and compete. He loves his environment. I think he can see when you got Djokovic and Nadal at the same time - it's so unusual to have such great players all at one time," Rod Laver said.