Gabriela Sabatini, the celebrated 1990 US Open champion and former World No. 3 in women’s tennis, recently expressed her profound admiration for the iconic Roger Federer. As she marked her 50th birthday on May 16, 2020, Sabatini, known for her amiable demeanor both on and off the court, shared her thoughts on Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion with whom she shares a warm relationship.
In an interview with the Argentine newspaper La Nacion, Sabatini couldn’t help but praise Federer’s playing style, stating, “Obviously, I admire Roger Federer. It is a pleasure to see him play.” This sentiment echoes the feelings of countless tennis enthusiasts worldwide who have been captivated by Federer’s grace and skill.
Federer, never one to shy away from innovative ideas, recently proposed the idea of merging the ATP and the WTA tours, a groundbreaking move aimed at unifying the sport. This idea garnered support from notable figures like Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Billie Jean King. Now, Gabriela Sabatini has joined the chorus of support for this visionary concept.
Speaking to Argentine news website Infobae, Sabatini enthusiastically endorsed the merger, emphasizing its potential benefits for both male and female players. She remarked, “I think it can be something positive, very positive. 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 positively.”
Beyond her admiration for Federer’s game, Sabatini’s connection with the Swiss tennis legend has grown stronger as she now resides in Switzerland. This proximity has led to serendipitous encounters with Federer and his family while strolling through Zurich’s streets.
Sabatini reminisced, “When we met once in the streets of downtown Zurich, it was a total coincidence. 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.”
Federer, in turn, has always held Sabatini in high regard. In his early tennis journey, he openly acknowledged that she was his childhood crush, a sentiment that endears him to the Argentine legend to this day. Sabatini’s move to Switzerland facilitated a close bond with the Federer family, as demonstrated during Federer’s exhibition tour of South America with Alexander Zverev, when Sabatini sent a heartfelt video message from her native country to express her gratitude.
Reflecting on this friendship, Federer spoke fondly, saying, “Gaby’s been fantastic. She invited me last time to her apartment here in Buenos Aires. I remember she did dinner for us.” His recent Twitter post further emphasized his deep respect for Sabatini as both a person and a player.
In the world of tennis, where rivalries and competition often dominate, the enduring friendship and mutual admiration between Roger Federer and Gabriela Sabatini serve as a heartwarming reminder of the camaraderie that transcends the sport. As fans, we can only hope to witness more moments of this special connection between two tennis legends.
