Djokovic Says Federer Is Too Slow

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 5th November 2013

BNP Paribas 2013 Masters Tennis Tournament

Djokovic Says Federer Is Too Slow

epa03933704 Roger Federer (L) of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic (R) of Serbia during a break in their semi final match at the BNP Paribas 2013 Masters tennis tournament in Paris, France, 02 November 2013. EPA/YOAN VALAT |

One criticism of modern day men’s tennis is there’s insufficient ill feeling between the leading players of the game in the manner of John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl and Jimmy Connors.

But Novak Djokovic showed he is prepared to make his true feelings public and didn’t hold back when asked why he thought Roger Federer had struggled through a sub-standard year; he’s now too slow.

Djokovic and Federer are set for their second meeting in the matter of four days at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at the London 02 Arena today. The Serb won the first in Saturday’s semi-final at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris and after making the short trip to London, he said: “From my point of view Roger hasn’t been moving as well this year and I guess that’s one of the reasons he hasn’t had much success.

“Even though he is moving maybe slower than he used to, he is still striking the ball really well. And if he strikes the ball well that day he can beat anyone.”

But Djokovic, perhaps realizing he been too critical, was quick to redress and added: “But he is Roger Federer. He has had achieved so much in his career and he is never to be underestimated as long as he plays tennis. He has an incredible quality in his game.”

Federer, for his part, remains insistent he is still a major contender for this year ending title he has already won six times in his career and refused to subscribe to the Djokovic point of view.

He said: “I disagree with it because last year I was world no. 1 at some point, and I was 31. So at 32 you can’t play tennis anymore? I just don’t believe in that quick a turnaround.”

Topics: 10sballs.com, ATP World Tour Finals, Bnp Paribas Masters, Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors, John Mcenroe, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Tennis, Tennis News