Roger Federer’s career ended at this year’s Laver Cup. The former world number 1, who hadn’t set foot on the pitch for over a year, played his last match alongside his arch-rival Rafael Nadal at London’s O2 Arena.
The two were defeated by Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, despite the Swiss having a match point on his serve in the super tiebreak. The King received a splendid tribute at the end of the match, testament to the enormous impact he has had on the sport over the past two decades.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion hoped to be able to treat himself to one last round of the carousel in 2023, but his right knee did not allow him to. The resonance that the Master underwent in the summer certified the absence of further progress and “forced” him to accept reality.
The 41-year-old from Basel recently attended a Uniqlo event in Tokyo and there are rumors that he could join the BBC’s commentary team for Wimbledon 2023.
Alan Wilkins on King Roger
In light of this, Alan Wilkins took to Twitter to respond to a Roger Federer fan who referred to him as their favorite commentator, saying that he was still “wondering” how to handle the 20-time Grand Slam winner’s retirement.
Wilkins added that there would be no other tennis player like him. “Thank You TeJaL for your kind support! And like you, I am still wondering how we manage Roger Federer’s retirement! There won’t be another tennis player like him IMHO (in my humble opinion).
Best Wishes to you always. Regards, Alan Wilkins,” he wrote. The Swiss teamed up with wheelchair singles career Grand Slam holder Kunieda to beat two-time wheelchair singles Major winner Reid and retired Japanese player Kurumi Nara, 8-6.
“[I had a] Great time with all the kiddies, especially. Being reconnected with fans or tennis lovers was great,” said Federer in the Japanese brand’s virtual Q and A session with fans. “For me, being on any tennis court with fans again is very special, but also especially inspiring the next generation.
What we are trying to do here, trying to have an impact, was great,” he added. “I really started to cut back a lot on all the sports I was doing. I stopped skiing in 2008. I would only play football a little bit with my children.
I stopped playing squash just so I could save all my health for the tennis matches. Because I really didn’t want it to end with an injury through a different sport. So that’s one thing I’m going to look forward to,” said the six-time ATP Finals champion.
