When I look at Roger Federer’s career, I can’t help but notice the many similarities we share. From our playing styles to our achievements and even our legacy in tennis, there are numerous aspects that connect us as champions of this sport.
First and foremost, both Roger and I were dominant figures in our respective eras. I ruled women’s tennis throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, while Roger was an unstoppable force in men’s tennis from the early 2000s onward. We both reached the pinnacle of the sport, securing multiple Grand Slam titles and setting records that have stood the test of time. With 22 Grand Slam singles titles to my name and Roger finishing his career with 20, our success on the biggest stages is one of our strongest similarities.
Another commonality between us is our incredible footwork and elegant playing style. Roger’s game has often been described as effortless, his movement so fluid that it looks almost artistic. I always prided myself on my speed, agility, and ability to glide across the court with precision. Footwork was a major component of my success, just as it was for Roger. In a sport where every second matters, our ability to cover the court with such efficiency made a huge difference.
A key part of both our games was the one-handed backhand. In modern tennis, where two-handed backhands have become more common, Roger and I continued to showcase the beauty and effectiveness of a well-executed one-hander. This shot became one of our trademarks and played a vital role in our victories. Whether it was a powerful passing shot or a perfectly placed slice, we both used our backhands strategically to outmaneuver opponents.
Reaching and maintaining the World No. 1 ranking for extended periods is another similarity between us. I held the top spot for a total of 377 weeks, which was the record for both men and women for many years until Novak Djokovic surpassed it. Roger, on the other hand, held the No. 1 ranking for 310 weeks, the most by a male player until Djokovic also broke that record. What stands out even more is the consistency we displayed—both of us held the No. 1 ranking for consecutive weeks, proving our dominance across multiple seasons.
Success on various surfaces was another defining aspect of our careers. I achieved the rare feat of winning the “Golden Slam” in 1988, claiming all four Grand Slam titles plus an Olympic gold medal in the same year. Roger also proved his versatility, winning Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces—hard court, grass, and clay. While his Olympic gold came in doubles rather than singles, he still solidified his place in history as an all-surface champion.
Beyond our playing careers, Roger and I share something even more meaningful—a lasting legacy. When I retired in 1999, I stepped away from the sport knowing I had given everything to it, just as Roger did when he bid farewell in 2022. We both left behind a generation of fans who admired not just our skill but also our sportsmanship, grace, and love for the game.
Finally, our post-tennis lives also share similarities. Both Roger and I have remained connected to the sport in different ways, whether through charitable foundations, exhibitions, or mentoring young talents. Most importantly, we both found love within the tennis world—Roger married Mirka, a fellow player, while I married Andre Agassi, another legend of the sport.
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much Roger and I have in common. Our careers, playing styles, achievements, and impact on tennis have created a unique bond between us, even though we played in different eras. More than anything, we both retired as legends, knowing we had left an indelible mark on the sport we love.