Federer is too nice - Becker

Boris Becker is convinced that Roger Federer would have a bigger following if he was nasty. The former Wimbledon champion believes the world No1 is being penalised for being nice and does not get the respect that he deserves.

Federer has won the Championships for the last two years and is unbeaten in 29 matches on grass going into his first round match against Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu when the tournament starts next week.

He has already entered tennis's hall of fame for winning three out of four Grand Slams and eight other titles last year.

But the undemonstrative Swiss does not have the fanatical support enjoyed by other top players such as Tim Henman or Lleyton Hewitt.

Becker said: "He is not an outgoing personality but he is a nice guy and people criticise him for that. Excuse me, what times are we living in?

"He is a big character. He stays in control on the court and that tells me he is a character. You don't have to be out of control.

"Federer is a very special player, a rare breed. I would almost call him a genius the way he plays and wins matches. He is an incredible shot-maker and plays tennis the way it ought to be played.

"Slowly people are realising that. He should get much more credit and respect than he does. Eventually people will realise he is an amazing player."