During an interview with the staff of “We love tennis”, French tennis player Gilles Simon announced the release of his first book for October 28. The book, entitled “Ce sport qui rend fou” (This sport that drives you crazy), offers 191 pages of Simon’s tennis experience, told with sincerity and great love for his “cursed” sport.
The peculiarity that caught the attention of fans and journalists was the anticipation of the presence of an entire chapter dedicated to Roger Federer. The chapter will be titled “The Myth of Federer” and will not be limited only to recounting the relationship that has linked the two partners during the last 15 years, but will address extremely topical issues with a look towards the future of national and international tennis .
In fact, “Gilou” has decided to reflect on the greatness of Federer and, in particular, on the legacy that the Swiss champion will leave in the years after his retirement.
According to Simon, the goal that transalpine coaches will set for themselves in the next twenty years will be to try to build a new Federer. An arduous undertaking that may not find many positive results, but that clearly denotes the extent to which the Swiss style of play and his prowess in each register make him a model for all.
Simon, however, puts the question under the microscope and underlines that French tennis needs an open mind that should not ignore the esteem and study of other great tennis players, despite the fact that Roger is currently the most successful of all.
In fact, arguing about Federer inevitably leads to confrontation with his great contemporary rivals, Rafa and Nole. Below is an extract that collects the Frenchman’s opinion on the subject and, specifically, on the much discussed figure of the best of all time that now monopolizes many debates between amateurs and professionals:
Simon on the much-discussed figure of the best of all time
“If Federer keeps his records, this will allow us to say that obviously, although Djokovic and Nadal are great players, they will be considered less strong.
That is why this GOAT story has been assuming such proportions for so many years, because there are many who believe that Federer’s records will never fall. However, if Djokovic, who for example plays few volleys, passed him, this would break the thought patterns of many people.
Because we don’t like (Nole) as much as Federer. However, if Federer’s records fall, we can no longer pretend, we can no longer limit tennis to one player. We agree that Federer’s game is probably the most fun to watch, but not necessarily the most effective.
Novak, he may be less creative, but he is no less effective. And if it even surpasses it in terms of Grand Slam wins (because in the end that’s what matters), then we won’t be able to hide behind one finger anymore.
If Federer keeps his records, this will mean that in the future the new generations will emulate him in every way. And I don’t want that to happen. I wish a boy forced to play like Federer could say: ‘Yes, but Novak and Rafa have won twenty-one titles playing differently’ “
Therefore, in his book Simon launches a provocation that is not new, but extraordinarily current, that you will hardly find unanimous opinions (and less among coaches), but that actually contains an underlying thought that should make every fan of witnessing a period proud. so historic.
