McEnroe remembers the moment when Federer took the big leap: “That's when he found another gear.”
The American legend, a fan of Federer since his early days, emphasizes the moment of that first match when he realized the Swiss would be a very different player from the others.
To analyze the complete career of Roger Federer, it is necessary to have followed it in its entirety. This is something John McEnroe can boast about, as he also shares a good friendship with the Swiss champion.
Taking advantage of the fact that Roger Federer has been on everyone's lips these last few days with his induction into the Hall of Fame, the American did not want to miss the occasion and was seen participating in nearly all the events related to the topic. He also took time to stop by the Tennis Channel table to share his impressions on the legacy of the Swiss.
McEnroe pinpointed the turning point at Wimbledon 2003, when Federer was still trying to find a way to translate his enormous talent into results. The American recalls a fourth-round match against Feliciano López in which the Swiss did not seem to be in good physical or mental shape. At that time, there was even a perception that he could be too vulnerable when things got complicated.
McEnroe points out when Federer became a legend
“It seemed he was looking for an exit rather than an entry,” McEnroe recalled. However, that Federer was able to overcome, compete despite not being at 100%, and discover a new dimension of his game. “He realized he had another gear, not just due to his skill but also because of his mentality,” he explained.
From that point on, the door swung wide open. Federer won that Wimbledon, the first of his 20 Grand Slams, and began a career that would make him one of the great icons in sports history. Additionally, McEnroe highlighted a trait he considers exceptional: the Swiss's ability to combine extraordinary technique with a unique understanding of entertainment. “He is the most beautiful player I have ever seen play tennis,” he said, placing him even above his admired Rod Laver.
The American also valued Federer's ability to adapt. The Swiss changed his racket, sought to hit earlier, and made tactical adjustments to compete against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. For McEnroe, that evolution was essential to prolonging his career at the highest level. But his legacy does not end with the results.
McEnroe believes that Federer enjoyed absolutely everything surrounding tennis, be it traveling, press conferences, fans, training, and, of course, competition. A passion that, according to him, explains why he remains so connected to the sport after his retirement. “He is a magnificent human being and an absolute credit to our sport,” McEnroe concluded.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, McEnroe recuerda el momento en que Federer dio el gran salto: “Ahí encontró otra marcha”