Mastery of Both Style and Substance: Ronnie O’Sullivan Praises the Legacy of Athletes Like Messi and Federer in Snooker

Ronnie O’Sullivan, a seven-time world snooker champion, recently expressed his admiration for athletes who excel in both style and substance. He cited Lionel Messi and Roger Federer as examples of athletes who can please both camps – those who focus on numbers and those who appreciate exceptional skill and talent. O’Sullivan believes that these athletes are truly remarkable because they leave behind a legacy that is not just based on the trophies they win, but also on how they play the game.

When discussing the importance of titles in an athlete’s legacy, 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. His 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 the World Championship begins on April 20, O’Sullivan is aiming to break the record he shares with Stephen Hendry for the most all-time victories at the Crucible. Fans can catch all the action live on Eurosport and discovery+ to witness O’Sullivan’s quest for snooker greatness.