World No.2 Roger Federer is ‘unsure’ about when he will retire from the sport, but it could be within the next three years, according to his agent.
Tony Godsick has spoken about what the future has in store for the Swiss player during an interview with newspaper Blick. 20-time grand slam champion Federer is the oldest ATP player currently in the world’s top 100 at the age of 37. So far in his career, he has won 98 ATP titles and spent a total of 310 weeks as world No.1.
Speaking about Federer’s future plans, Godsick has insisted that it is unlikely that he will be stepping away from the sport next year. Saying that he has had ‘assurances’ that he will play in the Laver Cup when it is hosted in Geneva. Both Godsick and Federer are key figures behind the Laver Cup. A team tournament, which features players from Europe taking on the rest of the world.
“He does not know when he will stop.” Said Godsick. “For me it is sometimes frustrating because I am an organized person and I like to plan in advance.
“Roger assured me that he will play the Laver Cup in Geneva.”
The Laver Cup is held in Europe and other parts of the world on alternative years. Therefore, it is possible that next year will be that last time Federer will play the event on European soil as a competitive player. It is partly because of this reason why the event wanted to be held in Switzerland in 2019.
“We could not wait any longer.” Godsick explained about selecting Geneva as a venue. “By 2020, the Laver Cup will again be held outside Europe. Whether Roger will continue playing for another three years is really questionable.”
All members of the ‘big four’ contingent are over the age of 30. A group that features Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. When the quartet eventually retire it will undoubtedly leave a big hole in the tour. The four are the only players in the history of the ATP World Tour to have won over $60 Million in prize money.
While Federer’s retirement will make an end of an era, it could be the start of another in the world of business. According to Godsick, Federer wants to help promote ‘major projects in other sports.’ Although he did not name what those sports were.
“Roger’s ideas are very inspiring for us. But as long as he’s active, we do not involve him too much in the business.” He said.
“It’s going to be a sad day for the sports world (when he retires). Not from my business point of view. I will get more of his time – and it will be very, very exciting!”
Federer will return to action next week at the Shanghai Rolex Masters. He is the defending champion and will be bidding to win the title for a third time.
