Federer outclassed Mannarino in straight games (6-0, 7-5, 6-4) to reach his 16th Wimbledon quarter-finals on Monday.
Tennis legend Roger Federer was at the top of his game during the round-of-16 clash with Adrian Mannarino in Wimbledon 2018 on Monday (July 9). Apart from his impeccable tennis skills, Federer also gave the tennis fans a glimpse of his cricketing skills. He executed a forward defensive shot with the middle of his racket after Mannarino returned the ball to him.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who is a huge tennis enthusiast, was also impressed with Swiss star’s hand-eye co-ordination on the grass court.
Taking to Twitter Tendulkar wrote: “As always, great hand-eye co-ordination. @rogerfederer, let’s exchange notes on cricket and tennis after you win your 9th @Wimbledon title ????????”
As always, great hand-eye co-ordination. @rogerfederer, let’s exchange notes on cricket and tennis after you win your 9th @Wimbledon title ???????? https://t.co/2TNUHGn1zK
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 10, 2018
Federer also responded to Sachin’s tweet, saying he is keen to take notes from the Master Blaster as soon as he could.
why wait? I'm ready to take notes! @sachin_rt https://t.co/UjH5m1wuNT
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) July 10, 2018
The Indian batting maestro then replied the 20-time Grand Slam winner which stated: “Ha ha ha..done. @rogerfederer, lesson 1 will be the straight drive only if you help me with my backhand my friend!! Unfortunately won’t be able to come see you play this year but will be glued to the televison...Wish you all the very best! Hopefully next year @wimbledon.”
Ha ha ha..done. @rogerfederer, lesson 1 will be the straight drive only if you help me with my backhand my friend!!????????????
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 10, 2018
Unfortunately won’t be able to come see you play this year but will be glued to the televison...Wish you all the very best! Hopefully next year @wimbledon. https://t.co/7eP6w2olW0
Wimbledon’s official Twitter page also tagged International Cricket Council (ICC) and asked the cricket's governing body about the ratings of Federer’s forward defence.
Ratings for @rogerfederer's forward defence, @ICC?#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/VVAt2wHPa4
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2018
ICC then shared a screenshot of the Test batting rankings that showed Roger as the No.1 ranked batsmen in the world.
*sigh* ok... ???? pic.twitter.com/KXnhaznxL8
— ICC (@ICC) July 9, 2018
The International Cricket Council also compared Federer's forward defence to Sachin Tendulkar by posting the famous Spiderman meme featuring Tendulkar and Federer.
"When greatness recognises greatness," ICC wrote in the caption of the meme.
When greatness recognises greatness ???? pic.twitter.com/UB2hJli5gw
— ICC (@ICC) July 9, 2018
It is worth mentioning here that Tendulkar and Federer shared a very good rapport. The cricket legend has often been spotted meeting and greeting Federer at the Wimbledon while the Swiss tennis ace has previously termed Sachin as his favourite batsman.
Federer outclassed Mannarino in straight games (6-0, 7-5, 6-4) to reach his 16th Wimbledon quarter-finals. He will take on South African eighth seed Kevin Anderson in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.