Former World No. 4 Tim Henman has made a bold prediction about when 19-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will retire from the sport.
Henman, a four-time Wimbledon semifinalist has a close relationship with Federer and believes the Swiss legend will continue to dominate the ATP tour for a few more years. Federer won his fifth Australian Open crown in January and then went past Pete Sampras by winning his 8th Wimbledon title in July.
Besides the two Grand Slam trophies, the 36-year-old also won a tour-best seven titles in 2017 and ended the season as World No. 2 behind his arch-rival Rafael Nadal. And according to Henman, Federer will maintain his supremacy on the men’s circuit as he is playing extremely well with vast improvements visible during the last season.
He told Express Sport: “I’d say he has a good couple of years left. He’s defending champion at Wimbledon, the one that means the most to him. He’s definitely going to play that.
“I definitely think a good couple of years, you just have to wait and see. My crystal ball is a bit murky on that.”
Federer’s retirement could pose a serious threat to his record of 19 Grand Slams as Nadal, who has won 16 Majors could eclipse his good friend’s Slam count.
Henman argues in favor of Nadal surpassing Federer’s record if the Spaniard stays fit for the next couple of years. However, Rafa has struggled with a persistent knee injury and is a doubtful starter for next month’s Australian Open. The southpaw’s health could ultimately prove to be the factor in deciding the greatest player of all time.
He added: “He could do. Who’s the favorite for the French Open next year, it’s gotta be Nadal by miles.
“So I wouldn’t be surprised if he did overtake Federer. But only time will tell.”
