Tennis players have always admired fellow players and legends for specific traits that make them stand out. Martina Navratilova and Boris Becker recently created their ideal tennis player on Laureus Sport’s social media platform. The two legends included Roger Federer, Steffi Graf, and Serena Williams, among other tennis icons, in their selection.
In a ‘Create Your Perfect Tennis Player’ show, Navratilova and Becker were asked about specific traits in the best tennis players. For Becker, it was Roger Federer who was the most naturally gifted player he has ever seen. While for the women’s side, the German legend believes Navratilova as the WTA’s most talented player, to which she cheekily agreed.
Boris Becker and Martina Navratilova make their ‘perfect player’ (Image via Imago)
Roger Federer is the most naturally gifted player have ever seen. On the women's side I will say Navratilova.Boris Becker said
For forehand, Becker admitted that Serena Williams was the best, while Navratilova added that Graf was also very good.
“For forehand, Serena Williams,” Boris Becker added.
“And Steffi also. I really wanted to stay away from it when playing,” Martina Navratilova said.
Becker and Navratilova on ‘who has the best forehand’
Also, Becker and Navratilova didn’t waste much time to agree that Bjorn Borg, who won 14 Grand Slams, was the best backhand player. Navratilova added that despite being hard a choice, Borg had an extraordinary backhand.
“Not ours. I think Bjorn Borg back in the day,” Boris Becker said.
“He never missed, even if the racket was as small as his hand. That’s hard anyway, but he had a lot of backhand during his days,” Martina Navratilova added.
Becker and Navratilova on ‘who has the best backhand’
When asked about serves, Becker was not very convinced but Navratilova chose American legend John Isner. Isner reached his career-high ranking of No.7 but was known for his powerful serves.
On the best volley, Becker believed Navratilova was the best by a mile. While the 18-time singles major title winner selected American John McEnroe.
“On women’s side by a mile, by a mile, it’s Navratilova,” Becker said.
“I will go with John McEnroe,” Navratilova said.
Becker and Navratilova on ‘who has the best volley’
Becker became the youngest player to win the Wimbledon championship in 1985 at just 17. He went on to win two more Wimbledon titles before retiring in June 1999.
Boris Becker surprised at Novak Djokovic’s decision to withdraw from Madrid Open
Boris Becker has revealed that he was shocked by Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the Madrid Open. Djokovic, who withdrew from the Dubai and Miami Open, decided to skip the Mutua Madrid Masters just a day before the event.
The Serbian legend is without a title despite competing in three tournaments this season. Last year, he won seven titles from ten competitions, but this year may be a little lower than other years. However, Becker believes the World No. 1 has his own schedule to follow.
I was surprised by his Madrid decision. I think at this stage he needs matches. He needs the competition. But he has his own schedule.Boris Becker said via The Telegraph
Perhaps, Djokovic is aiming at the French Open and the Paris Olympics, which he has often said was his major focus this year.
