Ronnie O’Sullivan Praises Skillful Substance: Messi, Federer and the Art of Winning While Delighting Audiences

Ronnie O’Sullivan recently expressed his admiration for athletes who excel in both style and substance. He cited Lionel Messi and Roger Federer as examples of players who he considers to be among the greatest of all time. O’Sullivan believes that what truly sets these athletes apart is their ability to please both those who focus on numbers and those who appreciate exceptional skill and talent.

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. He believes that athletes like Federer and Messi, who can please both camps, are truly remarkable.

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 a seven-time world snooker champion, O’Sullivan is tied with Stephen Hendry for the most all-time victories at the Crucible. He is aiming to break this record and secure an eighth world title when the World Championship begins on April 20. Fans can catch all the action live on Eurosport and discovery+ to witness O’Sullivan’s quest for snooker greatness.