Abu Dhabi: The debate over who will be crowned the Laureus Athlete of the Decade was nearly put to bed Tuesday after Ed Moses and Boris Becker threw their weight behind Roger Federer as the favourite for the prize.
Record Grand Slam winner Federer, who has won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year title a staggering four times, is once again part of that line-up. But the title the Swiss will be really hoping to take home is the one in which he is pitted against multiple sportsperson of the year title winners Serena Williams, the women's world No. 1, Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, multiple Tour de France winner and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong and golfing great Tiger Woods, who each have two titles to their name.
And this is where the backing of academy members Becker and Moses will serve him good.
Predecessor Becker, who ruled the courts in the 1980s and won six Grand Slams, said Federer "in my eyes is the greatest champion of the decade".
"He has been No 1 for a record time and coming from tennis I know how difficult it is to win 16 Grand Slams over seven years. Tennis is an individual sport and everything depends on you; we have other great guys [against him], but in my opinion Roger Federer is the one," said Becker, during a press conference on the eve of the Awards ceremony, which will be held at Emirates Palace tonight.
Moses, who won the 400-metre gold in the 1976 and 1984 Olympics, said a once "written-off" Federer had battled through a lot and deserved to win.
"It's a very difficult decision when you look at what the five nominees have achieved in sport over a long period of time," said Moses, who won golds at the 1983 and 1987 World Championships as well.
"I must say Roger Federer impressed me last year. He was beaten up by the press and they were beginning to write him off that his days were over, but he came back from everything his sickness, the birth of his child and that really counts for me. And he has won for a long period of time."
Women's tennis ace Monica Seles held a "diplomatic" stance and refused to pick a name, but two-time Formula One world champion Emerson Fittipaldi said his bet was on Schumacher to win.
"It is extremely difficult to decide who is best. I always say a great champion is consistent and competitive year after year and it makes the diff between a champion and a great champion," said Fittipaldi, who won the 1972 and 1974 drivers' titles.
"I see what Schumacher has done in 10 years and it's outstanding. I know how difficult it is to win a Grand Prix so I will vote for Michael."
