http://www.sportsmediainc.com/tennisweek/index.cfm?func=showarticle&newsid=1036 4&bannerregion= McEnroe Praises Federer As Most Talented John McEnroe By Adrianna Outlaw 02/03/2004 John McEnroe knows what it takes to create a compelling rivalry. As part of the tennis trinity that included Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors, the seven-time Grand Slam champion was a primary player in promoting tennis popularity in the 1970 s and early 80s. Times have changed, but McEnroe retains his view that the growth of the game is rooted in rivalries. The former No. 1 believes the current cast of characters can create some captivating championship climaxes on the ATP Tour. "It's a good time for tennis ," McEnroe, who is in New Zealand to play an exhibition with Pat Cash, told the New Zealand Herald. "Federer may be the greatest talent I've ever seen step on a tennis court. I see him winning a lot of majors." Surveying the current class of former No. 1 players in contention for Grand Slam titles, McEnroe said each player has a special strength that makes every tournament a true test. "You could say Federer is the most talented, you could say [Andy] Roddick has the most powerful serve and you could say [Marat] Safin is the best looking ... along with very powerful," McEnroe told the New Zealand Herald. "Lleyton [Hewitt] is really trying to fight back and [Juan Carlos] Ferrero is tougher, even on the slower court. Then there's Andre [Agassi], and as long as he keeps playing, he brings out the best in these other guys. It's great for the sport." The appeal of the mercurial McEnroe, combative Connors and brilliant Borg attracted casual sports fans to tennis and McEnroe believes that promoting the varied personalities of today's players will play a primary part in creating long-term rivalries. Praising new No.1 Roger Federer as perhaps the greatest talent he's seen, McEnroe said the Swiss stylist has the skills to significantly expand his Grand Slam trophy collection. "I think there is a real opportunity to show our sport in a much better light," McEnroe said. "A one-on-one sport relies on personality, individuality and rivalries. I'm hoping the Federer-Roddick [rivalry] grows and Safin stays in the mix. That's important." --

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