By DPA,
Paris : Tennis legend Bjorn Borg said Saturday that Roger Federer would achieve top all-time status in the sport if he beats Rafael Nadal for a first French Open title.
“He’s never won Paris, and that’s his biggest goal,” said the player who turned 52 Friday. “If he wins Paris, no doubt he’s the greatest player who ever played the game.”
Borg, who for decades kept his distance from the sport that he dominated until walking away from it at age 26 in the early 1980s, has eased his way back in as a revered senior statesman,
He has been in Paris this week following the action as Federer and Spanish rival Nadal edged towards their inevitable third straight Roland Garros trophy showdown.
“A lot of people say no one can beat Nadal tomorrow the way he’s been playing,” said the Swede. “But I think Roger has a really, really good chance.
“Rafael is probably playing his best tennis so far, if you compare to the other three years here in Paris,” he said of the 22-year-old who stands 27-0 at the venue with three titles.
“He’s more confident, I think he looks stronger, hitting the ball better, moving well.
“If you have a lot of confidence and you go out on the court, you really feel twice as big as the other guy on the other side of the net.”
Borg, while remaining Swedish neutral for the clash of titans, added, by contrast: “This is the best I’ve seen Roger play clay court for the last three years, also.
“He’s made a few changes this year. He’s slightly more patient when he plays, he’s slightly more aggressive. He’s using his forehand in a different way, and I think he’s feeling more comfortable and more confident on the clay when he plays.”
Borg kept all of his options open as he termed the looming showdown “very interesting”.
“It’s going to be a really open final, either one can win.
“I love to watch Nadal or Federer and so far I haven’t missed one match. They produce the best tennis you can play. It’s like two artists playing out there, both of them,” he said.