Roger Federer is a “category apart” if compared to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, according to influential tennis figure Ion Tiriac.

It has been close to two years since Federer called time on his career at the Laver Cup in 2022, though the Swiss still leaves a large legacy over the sport.

The 43-year-old spent 310 weeks as world No 1 during his career and won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, alongside a Davis Cup triumph for Switzerland and 103 ATP Tour singles titles in total.

The Swiss is widely recognised as one of the most graceful tennis players of all time and still has a significant following across the world, highlighted by the release of the documentary 12 Final Days earlier this year.

Federer’s career was largely defined by his rivalries with Nadal and Djokovic, and both men have gone on to overtake his Grand Slam haul over the past decade or so.

But former player, agent, and tournament owner Tiriac – considered the richest man in tennis – still believes that Federer is far apart from the Spaniard and Serbian in one area.

Speaking to We Love Tennis, the Romanian claimed the Swiss trailed his two great rivals physically – but that no one could match his talent.

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