McEnroe says Feds is running out of time
American legend John McEnroe says that Roger Federer has two years to win the French Open and establish himself as a candidate for greatest of all time.
“[Roger Federer] is already one of the greats, one of the best. To say that he is the best of all time, he has to win Roland Garros and I do not see that happening in the present conditions,” McEnroe told Spanish newspaper As.
McEnroe, whose best finish at the French Open was a finals appearance in 1984, added that Federer was capable of overcoming his natural style of play to win Roland Garros, but gave the Swiss star just two years to do it.
“He can do it, that is obvious, but his game is not based upon clay. He does not have that base and it is difficult to overcome that,” the three-time Wimbledon champion said.
“It will be very complicated for him and I only give him this year and the next to do it. If not, he will find it even harder. Also, there is the presence of [Rafael] Nadal.”
McEnroe praised the Spanish claycourt king, who has won two consecutive French Open crowns and is currently carrying a 68-match win streak on the slow surface.
“[Nadal] is full of energy and that enchants me,” the four-time US Open champion McEnroe said. “His game transmits emotions and his style is different to the majority of players. Tennis needs people with the character of Nadal.”
McEnroe made a point to note, however, that it would be a real challenge for Nadal to reach number one in the world with Federer still in the picture.
Eurosport
I think two years may be a stretch - in that time, a lot can happen. Feds has avoided major injuries, but with new players coming in I think he is going to need to pull it off ASAP to ensure his best chance. Of course, time will tell…