Australian Open 2018: Caroline Wozniacki stunned by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's hunger, consistency and longevity

What's the story?

The first Grand Slam of 2018, the Australian Open, is underway and all the tennis stars of the world are trying their luck at the hard surface event.

Amidst that, the ever-improving performance of the two tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal has amazed Danish star Caroline Wozniacki.

In case you didn't know...

Wozniacki achieved a highest ranking of 1 in October, 2010 but has still not managed to win a single Grand Slam title. She is now attempting to break her Grand Slam duck this time around as she believes that at the age of 27, she is close to her peak form. Federer and Nadal, on the other hand, have won the Australian Open five times and one time respectively and are prominent contenders for this year's title as well.

The heart of the matter

Wozniacki feels that the two greats have set examples of what can happen if a sportsperson never becomes complacent and always strives for improvement.

She finds this trait of Federer and Nadal the most interesting as well as annoying part as no matter what they achieve is never enough. She said, “I think that's the fun thing and the most frustrating thing about tennis, is that you can always get better."

The 27-year-old was awestruck by the fact that the duo, who are aged 36 and 31, show no signs of rest and have won a total of 35 grand slam singles titles. She is inspired by the two legends and wants to make a mark of her own by winning a Grand Slam.

“I think it just inspires everyone else to try to step it up, try to play better, too. I’m always thinking if they can get better, then I can too'. I have a long way to go.”

What's next?

Both Nadal and Wozniacki have qualified for the quarter-finals of the ongoing edition while Federer is set to face the Hungarian Marton Fucsovics tomorrow in the pre-quarters.

Author's take

The determination and sporting spirit displayed by both Federer and Nadal even at this point in their careers are incredible and should inspire all other current tennis players, like it inspires Wozniacki.