At the age of 37, many are wondering when 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer will pull the curtain on his illustrious career.
The former world No.1 is currently the fourth oldest player to have an ATP ranking on the tour and the second oldest in the top 100 after Ivo Karlovic. So far in his career, he has won 99 titles on the professional tour, played in 75 grand slam main draws and spent 310 weeks as world No.1. Yet, it is unknown as to when Federer will decide to retire from the sport.
Tony Godsick has been the long-time agent of Federer. Together they launched the Team8 management agency with Godsick serving as the president and CEO. According to Forbes magazine, the company’s commission amounted to $13.7 million in 2018. Despite their close business partnership, even Federer’s agent is unsure about his future plans.
“I often asked him that. I would also like to know it as his manager. I said ‘give me an idea so that I can prepare, I can keep it to myself.’ But he doesn’t know himself.” Godsick said during an interview with Tages Anzeiger.
Federer is sitting at seventh in the world rankings this week. His most recent trophy occurred in October when he triumphed at the Swiss Indoors in his home city of Basel. He kicked off this year by winning the Hopman Cup with Belinda Bencic before falling in the fourth round of the Australian Open to Stefanos Tsitsipas. Federer is also set to return to the clay for the first time since 2016 after announcing his return to the Madrid Open in May.
“He continues to play as long as he is healthy, fun, and that Mirka and the kids are happy. That’s the most important thing for him.“ Godsick explained.
“You have to understand what he does in tennis right now is absolutely incredible. He has four children, an active philanthropic life, travels around the world to promote his sport and has to train harder than others because he is older.’
“He is undoubtedly on the second nine holes of his career. Hopefully not on the 18th hole, but on the 16th or 17th.”
When the Swiss maestro does retire, it is unlikely he will disappear from the media spotlight. Especially considering his 10-year sponsorship deal with Uniqlo began last year, which has been valued at $300 million. He is also the president of the Roger Federer Foundation. An organisation that works on educational projects located in Southern Africa and Switzerland.
“He will deal with his foundation, which continues to grow.” Godsick said of Federer’s future. “He has many long-term sponsorship contracts, and I image that he will continue with these and other companies he likes.”
“We do not involve his partners in his life, but he knows he is a part of these companies and may want to do more for them in the future.” He added.
Federer will return to the tour next week. He will play at the Dubai Tennis Championships with the goal of winning his 100th ATP title. An accomplishment that has only been achieved by Jimmy Connors in the history of men’s tennis.
