Champions of Style and Substance: Ronnie O’Sullivan Praises the Legacy of Messi, Federer and Other Greats

Ronnie O’Sullivan, a seven-time world snooker champion, recently shared his appreciation for athletes who excel in both style and substance. He cited Lionel Messi and Roger Federer as examples of players who have achieved greatness in their respective sports.

When discussing the importance of titles in an athlete’s legacy, O’Sullivan highlighted the two different perspectives – those who focus on numbers and those who appreciate exceptional skill and talent. He believes that athletes like Federer and Messi who can please both camps are truly remarkable. O’Sullivan emphasized that what matters most is the legacy an athlete leaves behind and how they play the game, not just the trophies they win.

O’Sullivan’s friend Jimmy White echoed his sentiments about Federer and compared him to other tennis greats like John McEnroe and Pete Sampras. White described watching Federer play as witnessing poetry in motion, emphasizing the difference in his playing style compared to other top players like Novak Djokovic. Both O’Sullivan and White appreciate athletes who make their sport look effortless and captivating.

As he prepares for the upcoming World Championship, O’Sullivan aims to break the record for the most all-time victories at the Crucible by winning an eighth world title. Fans can catch all the action live on Eurosport and discovery+ to witness O’Sullivan’s quest for snooker greatness.