Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) sensation Kylian Mbappe says he has no idols but he admires tennis champions Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
He says that he admires people who have made an impact in the history of sport – football or not.
Mbappe told Paris Match magazine that he understands the dedication and effort that Federer and Nadal have made in tennis. The French international is a tennis lover. He enjoys watching basketball too.
Watching other sports has sharpened his perspective and increased his admiration for other sportsmen outdoing themselves.
Rafael Nadal, Kylian Mbappe and roger Federer. Photo/FirstSportz
Federer in 2018 was full of praise for Mbappe. He said that he admires his quickness and his demeanour. The Swiss said that it is fun watching the PSG forward play.
“I like his speed and his attitude. He seems nice, I like watching him play,” he said.
Meanwhile, Roger Federer could miss out on the 2022 Australian Open in order to make full recovery, his coach Ivan Ljubicic says. Ljubicic adds that the Swiss is determined to make an appearance in the court when his injury heals completely.
The 40-year-old has been off action for the 2021 season due to a knee injury. His coach – a former world No.3 – said knowing Federer well, he is taking things slowly until he heals up completely.
Ljubicic added given his age, the knee injury is taking longer to heal. Federer does not want to gamble with his wellbeing though he has expressed optimism in the Australian Open.
The coach also addressed questions on whether Federer was considering retiring.
“We have spoken and I can guarantee he wants to return to playing tennis,” he told Stats Perform. “When he decides to stop he will retire, but I don’t think it’s going to happen all of a sudden.”
In 2021, he played just 13 matches before undergoing two surgeries that left him benched. Federer played six matches in 2020 before he developed the knee problem and took a break.
August this year, Federer came clean with his fans confessing that he is not getting back to the court soon as he is scheduled for more knee surgery.
This news broke the tennis world as he self-confessed that the knee issue will keep him off from the game for many months.
Roger Federer Makes History By Becoming First Tennis Billionaire/ATP
Federer a 20-time grand slam champion has been away from the court for a while now nursing the injury.
“I will be on crutches for many weeks and out of the game for many months,” he told his fans.
However, he was optimistic that he will get better and make full recovery. The Swiss tennis star is upbeat about regaining his fitness.
“I want to give myself a glimmer of hope to return to the tour in some shape or form,” added Federer,” he exuded.
He maintained that it is difficult to go through such surgery at his age but is hopeful all will be well.
“I am realistic, don’t get me wrong. I know how difficult it is at my age to go through another surgery. I will try it. I want to be healthy, I want to be running around.”
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