Genius Federer in search of a rival
(Reuters)Updated: 2007-01-29 08:56
Borg and Laver collected 11 grand slam titles each but both could have lifted many more.
Laver, the only man to have won two calendar Grand Slams in 1962 and 1969, was banned from entering the amateur-only grand slams from 1963 to 1967 after turning professional.
Having remained dominant throughout the period, it is easy to speculate that Laver would almost certainly have won several more majors from the 20 he was forced to miss.
Borg won his first slam at 18 and by 26 he had turned his back on the sport.
But with Federer in hot pursuit of matching Borg's professional era record of five consecutive Wimbledon crowns later this year, a duel between the two at their prime on the hallowed Centre Court would have left the purists drooling.
Although such tussles can only remain a figment of one's imagination, Laver has no doubt where Federer ranks among the greats.
"The art of Roger is probably the best player I've ever seen," he said.
"Roger is really in the middle of his career ... and the way he's compiling the grand slam titles, I think he's got a great chance of being the best ever.
"Roger's got too many shots, too much talent in one body. It's hardly fair that one person can do all this -- his backhands, his forehands, volleys, serving, his court position ... the way he moves around the court, you feel like he's barely touching the ground, and that's the sign of a great champion."
Since none of Federer's contemporaries have the game to challenge him, expectations are mounting that 2007 could be the year he joins Laver and Don Budge as the only men to win a calendar Grand Slam.
Having reached the final at Roland Garros last year, even the Swiss believes he is now capable of conquering the red dirt.
"I hope the French Open is going to work out for me, and I'm going to play well, hopefully win the title. That will be a dream come true." he said.
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