Roger Federer: Alexandr Dolgopolov reveals the big part of Federer's game he can't accept
ROGER FEDERER’s pace in competitive matches takes opponents by surprise, according to Alexandr Dolgopolov.
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Federer finished 2017 as world No 2 after clinching two Grand Slam titles.
It was a remarkable return to the top for the 36-year-old, but he was unable to overtake Rafael Nadal as world No 1.
Dolgopolov says he beats Federer time and again in practice matches but can’t get anywhere near him in competitive showdowns.
And he says he simply can't accept his game and that he's the toughest opponent to come up against.
"(Federer) plays very fast," the Ukrainian told Telegraf.com.
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I cannot understand how to accept his game, so playing against him is the hardest
"This is not visible on the cameras, everything looks very smooth and flat on TV, but in reality, everything happens much faster on the court.
"Because of how naturally his technique and movement are built, it seems that he does everything somehow easily and at ease.
“But on the court, this happens very quickly, you just do not have time for it, it takes time from you.
"I cannot understand how to accept his game, so playing against him is the hardest.
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“If we have a game in training, I take sets from him, then I have zero chances at matches. I cannot accept him at all."
Federer finished his year 52 wins and five defeats on the ATP Tour, picking up seven titles along the way.
He has been nominated for the Laureus sporting moment of the year award for his success in the Laver Cup with great rival Nadal.
