Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri has labelled tennis star Roger Federer the greatest player of all time, saying he 'is in a class of his own.'
The Swiss maestro won his record eighth Wimbledon this month, defeating Croatian Marin Cilic in the final, and going the entire tournament without dropping a single set.
The 35-year old now has 19 Grand Slam titles, the most in history for a male tennis player.
Bollettieri, who has coached some of the most successful tennis player ever including Andre Agassi, Jim Courier and Maria Sharapova believes Federer stands out from the rest due to what he does on and off the court.
"When you get to the greatest player of all time, I believe I am joined by many commentators in saying Roger is standing in a class of his own," Bollettieri told Saturday Sport on RadioLIVE.
"He is magnificent in anticipating in what to do. He has improved his backhand and also he is hitting the ball much earlier, he has enlarged his racquet and he is one of if not the best placement servers in the game.
"His management team headed by Tony Godsick takes care of his mind and body, time with his family, time with his foundation and time with rest.
"He also respects the game and his opponents. Roger Federer is simply in a class of his own."
Despite his impressive record, Federer has struggled against the other top players of this generation, including Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Along with Andy Murray, they are known as tennis' 'big four' which Federer has a combine 50-57 record against during his career.
However, Bollettieri doesn't think that will have any impact on Federer's greatness if he keeps on playing the way he is at his age.
"There will always be people who will say he has a losing record here, but in the long run look at what he is doing and he is not done yet.
"Age is only number. It is how you feel inside you.
"I believe a lot of people today can do a lot better if their mindset is to say I will get better every day and never use the word retirement.
"When you worry about losing, it is more difficult to win, and that is probably what happens to Venus in the final."
Federer - who turned 36 next month, will look to claim his 20th Grand Slam at the final major of the year at Flushing Meadows which starts on August 29 (NZT).
The current world number three has won five US Open titles but has not won one since 2008.
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