**Breaking News: Roger Federer Names His Four Favorite Tennis Players Growing Up, Including an ATP Player Who Never Won a Grand Slam**
*March 21, 2025*
In an unexpected revelation that has sparked a wave of nostalgia among tennis fans, Roger Federer recently shared the names of his four favorite tennis players while growing up. The Swiss tennis legend, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, reflected on his early influences in the sport during a candid interview. Interestingly, one of the players Federer listed was an ATP star who, despite his immense talent and contribution to the sport, never won a Grand Slam title.
### Roger Federer’s Tennis Inspirations
During the interview, Federer revealed that his love for tennis and the inspiration to become the player he is today was influenced by a mix of tennis icons from both past and contemporary generations. As a young player in Basel, Federer idolized and admired many of the sport’s greats, some of whom shaped his early aspirations in tennis.
“It’s always interesting to reflect on the players who influenced you growing up. For me, it wasn’t just about the Grand Slam champions — it was about their style of play, their personalities, and the way they conducted themselves both on and off the court,” Federer explained.
The four players Federer mentioned as his tennis heroes were:
1. **Stefan Edberg** – The Swedish legend, known for his elegant serve-and-volley style, was a major inspiration for Federer. Edberg’s graceful movement and mental toughness on the court resonated with the young Swiss player. Federer, whose game also revolves around finesse, often described Edberg’s influence on his approach to the net and overall technique.
2. **Boris Becker** – Another German powerhouse, Becker’s fiery competitiveness and powerful game left an indelible mark on Federer. Federer admired Becker’s fighting spirit, especially in his early career, and his achievements as a young Grand Slam champion. Becker’s ability to handle pressure and perform on the biggest stages of tennis was something that Federer aspired to replicate in his own career.
3. **Pete Sampras** – The American legend, known for his incredible serve and consistency, was perhaps one of Federer’s biggest influences. Sampras, with his calm demeanor and ability to win on any surface, was the benchmark for excellence when Federer was growing up. The two would go on to have a fierce rivalry, with Federer ultimately surpassing Sampras’s record of Grand Slam titles.
4. **Mikhail Youzhny** – This is where things get interesting. Federer also revealed that Russian player Mikhail Youzhny, who never captured a Grand Slam title in his career, was one of his favorite players while growing up. Despite Youzhny’s inability to win a major, Federer cited him as one of the most skilled and talented players of his era. Known for his aggressive baseline play, strong forehand, and gritty performances, Youzhny was a regular contender at the top tournaments, even reaching the semifinals at the U.S. Open and Wimbledon.
### Mikhail Youzhny: A Talent That Fell Short of Glory
Youzhny, who was part of the ATP Tour from the early 2000s to 2018, earned respect for his performances, particularly during the peak of his career. Though he reached the semifinals of both the U.S. Open and Wimbledon and was ranked as high as No. 8 in the world, the Russian never managed to capture a Grand Slam singles title. Despite this, Youzhny’s skill set was widely regarded as one of the best, with a well-rounded game that could compete with the best in the world.
Federer’s admiration for Youzhny sheds light on the fact that talent and success in tennis aren’t always defined by Grand Slam victories alone. While Youzhny may not have won the sport’s most coveted titles, his resilience and ability to challenge the elite players in his era left a lasting impact on Federer and many others.
Federer shared that while he was aware of Youzhny’s inability to claim a major title, his “gritty and aggressive style” always stood out. “He had the tools to be a champion,” Federer said, “but sometimes the sport doesn’t give you the reward you deserve. But that doesn’t take away from how amazing a player Mikhail was.”
### The Significance of the List
It’s worth noting that while Federer named four players who are all incredibly accomplished, including two who have multiple Grand Slam titles (Sampras and Becker), his inclusion of Youzhny reflects his appreciation for the entire landscape of tennis and not just the players with the most titles. Federer has always been a student of the game, and his respect for players who may not have achieved everything on paper but who nonetheless brought unique qualities to the sport highlights his understanding of the nuances of tennis.
Furthermore, Federer’s acknowledgment of Youzhny’s role in shaping his career speaks to a larger theme in tennis: the importance of every player, not just the Grand Slam champions, in driving the sport forward. Youzhny was a player who faced the likes of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic at the height of their powers, and although he never secured a Grand Slam, he earned the respect of the tennis community for his consistency and competitiveness.
### Federer’s Legacy and the Influence of His Heroes
Roger Federer’s achievements on the court are unparalleled, with 20 Grand Slam titles, a record 310 weeks as World No. 1, and numerous other accolades that have made him one of the most beloved and respected athletes in the world. But it’s his appreciation for the sport, its history, and the players who influenced him that truly set him apart.
As Federer looks back on his career, his respect for the players who shaped his game is evident. While Edberg, Becker, and Sampras may have been the benchmarks of success, Youzhny’s inclusion on his list is a reminder that tennis is about more than just Grand Slam trophies — it’s about passion, dedication, and the love of the game, no matter the outcome.
“I was inspired by all of them, but I think I learned something from every player I watched and played against,” Federer added. “You can be a champion in so many different ways, and sometimes it’s about appreciating the journey as much as the destination.”
### Conclusion
Roger Federer’s revelation about his four favorite tennis players growing up offers a rare glimpse into the formative years of one of tennis’ most iconic players. While most names on the list come as no surprise, the inclusion of Mikhail Youzhny — a player who never won a Grand Slam — serves as a reminder that greatness in tennis is not solely defined by trophies. For Federer, the impact of the game’s legends and the players who helped shape his career has been immeasurable. And for Mikhail Youzhny, his place in Federer’s memories will always be part of tennis’ rich tapestry, even without a Grand Slam title.
As Federer continues to enjoy his retirement and reflect on his extraordinary career, this revelation reminds fans that tennis, like any sport, is a collection of unique stories — some of triumph and some of near triumph — that together create the legacy of the game.
