Former top-10 and self-professed hardcore wrestling fan John Isner thinks if tennis players were pro wrestlers, Rafael Nadal should be the Ultimate Warrior and Roger Federer as the Heart Break Kid 'Shawn Michaels.'
In the wake of Wrestlemania 32 in Dallas, Isner published an article on the Players' Tribune, comparing tennis players and their qualities to current WWE wrestlers and legends.
For Isner, Federer's career followed the same trajectory as that of Shawn Michaels, WWE Hall of Famer and multiple time world champion.
First, both men dominated their respective sports during the first half of their careers. Federer captured Grand Slams and shattered records at the height of his career. Michaels, on the other hand, collected all kinds of belts during his prime.
As both men entered their twilight years, Federer and Michaels were still able to provide some of the most memorable performances of their careers. Federer remains a contender, playing deep into tournaments at the age of 34, while Michaels put up unforgettable showcases in his final years before his retirement.
"Shawn career can be divided into two parts. In the first, there was this young boy full of arrogance, the most talented guy - perhaps the most perfect talent that wrestling has ever seen. And with this talent, he won championships after championships.
But the second epoch Shawn, come late in his career, was equally impressive: has matured, has been at the top or near the top and played memorable matches as never before. and Roger's career has followed a similar line and at the same extraordinary way and 'the best ever.'" .
Aside from the Federer-Michaels' comparison, Isner likened Nadal to WWE legend, the Ultimate Warrior, because both men brings unbridled tenacity and energy in each match they competed. He added, as rare talent as the Ultimate Warrior, there will never be another Rafa again in the sport.
Rafael Nadal = Ultimate Warrior" that intensity and energy. Both have won titles and they did fill stadiums. But above all, is that energy. There will never be another warrior, there will never be another Rafa. "
For complete story, you can read Isner's article on the Players Tribune.