One of the most beloved and accomplished women’s tennis players of all time, Gabriela Sabatini, who secured the 1990 US Open championship, recently expressed her admiration for the iconic Roger Federer. This former World No. 3, who marked her 50th birthday on May 16, has maintained a warm relationship with the 20-time Grand Slam champion for quite some time.
In a candid interview with the Argentine newspaper La Nacion, Sabatini openly discussed her genuine pleasure in watching Roger Federer in action. She stated, “Obviously, I admire Roger Federer. It is a pleasure to see him play.”
Roger Federer recently proposed the groundbreaking idea of merging the ATP and WTA tours, a concept that garnered support from major figures in the tennis world, including Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Billie Jean King. Now, Sabatini has also endorsed this idea, considering it a significant step in the right direction. She believes that such a merger would be beneficial for both men and women players, ultimately strengthening their position in the sport.
“I think it can be something positive, very positive,” Sabatini expressed. “They are going to be strengthened, and I think that it will be easier to defend the interests of each one, they will be a greater power, and everything will be much easier. I see it very positive.”
Beyond her admiration for Federer’s style of play, Sabatini’s connection with the Swiss legend extends further due to her residence in Switzerland, where she is now in close proximity to the former World No. 1. This proximity has led to some chance encounters with Roger and his family, like the time she ran into them on the streets of Zurich.
“When we met once in the streets of downtown Zurich, it was a total coincidence,” Sabatini shared. “But it happened. I happened to be walking along Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main street, and he was there with his wife and daughters. That was a few years ago. It was pure coincidence, although we are always in contact. When he came to Buenos Aires, he visited me. I really admire him very much.”
The mutual respect between Roger Federer and Gabriela Sabatini is unmistakable. Federer has consistently held Sabatini in high regard, even admitting that she was his childhood crush as he was rising through the ranks. Over the years, their friendship has grown stronger, and Sabatini has taken opportunities to show her appreciation for Federer, such as when she sent a heartfelt video message during his South American exhibition tour.
“I had the chance to get to know you,” Sabatini said. “We are very lucky in the tennis world to have you for all the good that you represent. And as a person, you are the best.”
Federer, in return, fondly reminisced about his admiration for Sabatini during his childhood and the special connection they now share. He expressed his appreciation for Sabatini’s hospitality when she invited him and his team to dinner during their visit to Buenos Aires.
This heartwarming relationship between two tennis legends continues to thrive, with Federer recently taking to Twitter to praise Sabatini both as a person and a player. It’s a testament to the enduring bond that transcends generations in the world of tennis.
