The two former cricketers disappointed to have missed the epic final
Internet Desk: Former India cricketers Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar were left in awe to watch Federer win his 18th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon on Sunday. Both of them watched the epic final between Federer and Nadal in bits and pieces as they were busy inaugurating a sports museum in Kolkata.
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar knows very well what goes through a successful sportsman. He understands what those two tennis legends might have felt during their epic Australian Open final clash on Sunday.
“I had lot of injuries and there were some tough times. In 2005-2006 (in) one of the press conferences I was posted a question ‘so when are you going to retire?’ and best years came after that, the biggest thing in my life happened after that, the 2011 World Cup,” Tendulkar recalled.
He further added,”And I could actually understand what both those athletes (Federer and Nadal) were feeling and Federer actually said in his post match speech that both of them never thought they will be standing in the middle of the court but it was all about enjoying the sport.”
Tendulkar, a huge fan of Federer said the two greats showed why they remain a force in world tennis.
“They both had done whatever they had to and we have enjoyed their tennis. This is just an extension of what they have done in their past, the remarkable moments they have given (is) something that is going to stay with us forever. I have always been a huge fan of Federer,” said Sachin.
Sachin did share his frustration for having to miss the final due to his prior commitments.
“Unfortunately, I had some prior commitments yesterday so as and when I got time I was watching (the final) but I was one of the guys, who didn’t want the match to get over, because I sitting in the airport lounge and I was watching. (I) managed to watch the last two three games and the quality of tennis was just incredible, more so I enjoyed it because I could relate myself with both those athletes (Federer and Nadal),” said Tendulkar.
Sourav, who like Sachin is a diehard fan of Federer. In fact both of them were busy at the same function when the epic final was on.
“Federer once again proved class is always permanent. When I last saw him (Federer) play in the Wimbledon final in 2015 to Djokovic, I felt he was a bit slow on court. But the way he rose to the occasion and played against Nadal, it only establishes he is true champion. He also proved that he is supremely fit,” said Sourav about the Swiss tennis legend.