Roger Federer Says Djokovic, Murray, And Especially Nadal Made Him A Better Player

In 2013, people thought that Roger Federer was a man whom the game had passed by. However, the 33-year-old bounced back from a disappointing 2013 season and proved that he can still play at a level that stuns and devastates younger tennis athletes. Federer revealed in a recent interview how he has been able to play so incredibly well throughout his career and how the younger generation has made him a better player.

Speaking to Telegraph Sport, Federer has revealed how he has managed to continue playing great tennis in his career. Federer is 68-11 this season and won five ATP titles.

Federer could thank much of his success to his coach Stefan Edberg. He said that Edberg not only wanted him to simply play more matches, but he wanted him to play more consistently in tournaments. The Swiss father of four said that they adapted a similar approach when it comes to training and said that it greatly "helped him to remain in a good rhythm." He adhered to the plan and it worked for him.

However, Federer said that Djokovic, Murray, and especially Nadal, has challenged him to better his craft. "It's true that the generation of Djokovic, Murray, and Nadal has made me a better player; in particular Rafa has challenged me on many fronts, because the way he plays he is so unlike anyone else," Federer said.

According to Federer, he also didn't really need the younger generation to keep him going. He said that the reason why he is still playing tennis is because of his love for the game. He loves competing with other great tennis athletes in tournaments.

Federer is through to his third match at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London. He defeated Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori in his previous matches. He will face Murray on Nov. 14. Federer and Murray's head-to-head record is tied at 11-11.

Meanwhile, British No. 1 Murray has shared his thoughts on facing the 17-time Grand Slam Swiss champion in an interview with BBC Sport. Murray still keeps his hopes alive in the London finals, but said that he needs to defeat Federer if he wants to advance in the season-ending tournament.

Murray said that he has learned from the 22 matches that he and Federer had played in the past. "On court, you need to be sharp with your thinking and sharp with your footwork if you want to get the better of him," Murray said. The Scot hopes that he is ready to put Federer under pressure.