Federer Is Not Finished Says Philippoussis

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 16th November 2013

Federer Is Not Finished Says Philippoussis

epa03942792 Roger Federer from Switzerland celebrates scoring a point against Juan Martin del Potro from Argentina during their group B singles match in the round robin stage at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in the O2 Arena in London, Britain, 09 November 2013. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA |

One-time rival Mark Philippoussis, who faded from the tennis scene quietly only a few years after facing Roger Federer in the Swiss player’s first grand slam final in 2003, says that the 17-time grand slam champion remains a tennis threat with chances at least one more major.

“There’s no way Roger Federer is finished,” the Australian told British media at this week’s senior season final in London. “He’s still a truly great player, perhaps the greatest, and he still moves really well. I think he has one more slam left in him but it will have to come next year or that will be it.

“I think Roger can either win in Australia or at Wimbledon next year. The fact that (Andy) Murray’s fitness is a question mark is a factor and that improves Roger’s chances as he lost to him in Australia last year.

“I’m throwing it out there. It’s a big call but I believe he can do it. Pete Sampras’ last match was to beat Andre Agassi in the US Open final when everyone thought he was finished.

Philippoussis, considered a great wasted talent for his lack of a serious work ethic, was Federer’s first victim in a grand slam final, losing at Wimbledon, 2003, first of Federer’s record run of success. The 37-year-old now lives on the California coast, where he spends much of his time surfing and competing in the occasional senior tennis event.

Topics: 10sballs, Andre Agassi, Andy Murray, Atp, Mark Philippoussis, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, US Open, Wimbledon