By Ossian Shine
LONDON, June 24 - Wimbledon champion Roger Federer
has all the tools to become the greatest tennis player of all
time, according to three-times champion John McEnroe.
The Swiss world number one, who also won the Australian Open
at the start of the year, is the American's tip to retain his
Wimbledon title, and McEnroe cannot speak too highly of him.
"Federer is filled with confidence at the moment," McEnroe,
now a television commentator, said. "He's the reigning champion,
he won the Australian Open and everything is going the way he
wanted it."
"He's not up to the same level as Pete Sampras yet in terms
of titles won, but he has every shot in the game, plus the power
and calmness under pressure to back it up."
McEnroe, who won Wimbledon in 1981, 1983 and 1984, said such
was Federer's mastery of the game that he was introducing new
shots to it.
"He's even inventing shots. That forehand half-volley he
hits with power is a phenomenal shot -- he makes it look too
easy," McEnroe told the BBC.
"Every shot he hits looks easy, to be honest. He doesn't
even seem to be trying. I like all his shots but his forehand is
my favourite."
"He has so much variety with it. He can whip over it and win
points from the baseline, or he can punch through it close to
the net.
"He has very quick feet, so he can get in position to play
the shot he chooses, and his balance is perfect.
"He can almost hold the ball on his racket head because his
wrists are so much stronger than the average person's.
"Very few people can hit his kind of shot. He's my pick to
win Wimbledon -- of course he is. Tennis is just fun for him
right now."
Top seed Federer is due to face Colombian qualifier
Alejandro Falla in the second round on Thursday.