Former Japanese tennis player Takao Suzuki described prime Roger Federer as “outstanding” and admitted to feeling in awe of the Swiss’ skill. Suzuki, a former world No 106, met Federer for the first time during the 2005 Australian Open.
Suzuki didn’t stand much of a chance against Federer in their first meeting as the Swiss claimed a routine 6-3 6-4 6-4 win. In 2006, Suzuki played Federer in front of his home fans at the Japan Open in Tokyo. This time, Suzuki put up a much better performance but Federer still escaped with a 4-6 7-5 7-6 win.
Suzuki on Federer: He was so outstanding
“It was like, Federer was so outstanding that other players couldn’t catch up with him back then. Thought he would make his opponent move around and dominate without running around himself.
But his movement was quicker than expected with big steps when I played him. The court looked small (for him). His ball was a bit heavier than it looked, combined speed with spin. His serve was tough to read. At that time he was young and strong, kinda wild, then with age he had scrapped off the unnecessary.
He always showed how to play depending on his age and what he had at that time. For me he had become more graceful in his later years of career,” Suzuki told Tennis Classic Japan.
At that time he was young and strong, kinda wild, then with age he had scrapped off the unnecessary.
He always showed how to play depending on his age and what he had at that time. For me he had become more graceful in his later years of career.” @Tennis_Classic_ — 井蛙堂 (@seiadoumogera) December 28, 2022
Meanwhile, Federer’s astonishing career came to an end in late September at the Laver Cup.
Now, Federer is enjoying retirement life. In November, Federer visited Tokyo for a Uniqlo event. In 2018, Federer signed a 10-year deal with the Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo. Even though Federer is retired from pro tennis, he still is a Uniqlo ambassador and has duties to fulfill.
While in Tokyo, Federer met Japanese tennis icon Kei Nishikori. Overall, it was a positive trip for Federer, who met Japanese tennis fans.
