LONDON: Roger Federer’s retirement from competitive tennis will leave a void that can never be filled, according to former world number one and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion John McEnroe.
The 41-year-old Swiss will bow out later on Friday when he takes on arch-rival Rafael Nadal in a doubles encounter at the Cup of the tank.
Federer, who has 20 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record eight to Wimbledonannounced last week that he would end his career due to a persistent knee injury.
McEnroe is captaining a Rest of the World squad for the three-day Laver Cup at London’s O2 Arena, where a sold-out crowd will watch Federer and Nadal in action.
“Obviously there is a void that will never be filled,” McEnroe told reporters at a press conference ahead of the event.
The American said Federer’s four Grand Slam titles after turning 30 was an incredible achievement. His last came at the Australian Open in 2018.
“I remember six years ago he limped off the court at Wimbledon, didn’t play for six months and ended up winning three majors in the next 18 months,” McEnroe said.
“Then he had match point on Novak at Wimbledon (2019), two of them. So it’s amazing what he and the other two guys did.”
Asked if he could offer Federer and retirement advice, McEnroe said: “He doesn’t need my advice. He’s in a great position. He’s a total class act. We all know that.
“He loves the sport. That’s part of why he’s won so much, in my book. He loves it. I hope he, and I believe he will, will somehow another one.”
The 41-year-old Swiss will bow out later on Friday when he takes on arch-rival Rafael Nadal in a doubles encounter at the Cup of the tank.
Federer, who has 20 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record eight to Wimbledonannounced last week that he would end his career due to a persistent knee injury.
McEnroe is captaining a Rest of the World squad for the three-day Laver Cup at London’s O2 Arena, where a sold-out crowd will watch Federer and Nadal in action.
“Obviously there is a void that will never be filled,” McEnroe told reporters at a press conference ahead of the event.
The American said Federer’s four Grand Slam titles after turning 30 was an incredible achievement. His last came at the Australian Open in 2018.
“I remember six years ago he limped off the court at Wimbledon, didn’t play for six months and ended up winning three majors in the next 18 months,” McEnroe said.
“Then he had match point on Novak at Wimbledon (2019), two of them. So it’s amazing what he and the other two guys did.”
Asked if he could offer Federer and retirement advice, McEnroe said: “He doesn’t need my advice. He’s in a great position. He’s a total class act. We all know that.
“He loves the sport. That’s part of why he’s won so much, in my book. He loves it. I hope he, and I believe he will, will somehow another one.”