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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – MARCH 20: (L-R) Serena Williams of the United States speaks to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the ribbon cutting ceremony on the new Stadium Court at the Hard Rock Stadium, before the first match of the Miami Open on March 20, 2019 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – MARCH 20: (L-R) Serena Williams of the United States speaks to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the ribbon cutting ceremony on the new Stadium Court at the Hard Rock Stadium, before the first match of the Miami Open on March 20, 2019 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
Tennis legends Serena Williams and Roger Federer have dominated the sport on their respective tours for decades. But now, both are 40 and nearing the end of their careers. What will happen to tennis after they retire: a thought which haunts tennis fans daily. For this, the American star Frances Tiafoe has provided an answer.
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At first, the 23-year-old only reflected on the impact Serena Williams’ absence from tennis would make. In addition to that, Tiafoe drew parallels between the tennis queen and the Swiss maestro based on their appeal. “Wherever she goes, it’s huge, like Roger (Federer),” Tiafoe claimed.
(All quotes are translated from French to English via Google Translate).
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Frances Tiafoe compares Serena Williams with Roger Federer
Notably, there are not many players who could claim to be Serena Williams’ doubles partner and, at the same time, have Roger Federer across the net. But Frances Tiafoe could say that.
In 2019, Tiafoe and Williams played against Federer and Bencic at the Hopman Cup. Indeed, it was one of the most memorable nights in tennis history.
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PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 01: Serena Williams of the United States and Roger Federer of Switzerland take a selfie on court following their mixed doubles match during day four of the 2019 Hopman Cup at RAC Arena on January 01, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
But now, both Serena and Roger frequently miss the tennis tour due to injuries or otherwise. Thus, Frances shared what would happen when the tennis queen retires.
“She will leave a big void,” Tiafoe said. “Women’s tennis will lose a lot in the game itself. I don’t know how many players can claim to fill the stadiums like she does. Wherever she goes, it’s huge, like Roger (Federer).”
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Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 29, 2021 Serena Williams of the U.S. leaves court as she retires from her first round match against Belarus’ Aliaksandra Sasnovich after sustaining an injury REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
Indeed, Williams and Federer are two of the most successful crowd-pulling magnets in tennis. Despite their absence most of the time, tennis fans anticipate their big comebacks.
When will Serena and Roger return to the tennis tour?
Fortunately, the 23-time Grand Slam champion has recovered from her hamstring injury and will join the WTA Tour in 2022. Also, Serena has confirmed to compete at the Australian Open in January next year.
On the other side, the 20-time Grand Slam champion has shared some disheartening news. Federer announced that he might not be able to do any tennis training until March-April next year. He also shared his doubts about playing Wimbledon 2022.
Above all, tennis fans desire to see their successful comebacks next year. Hopefully, both Serena and Roger will continue to play tennis for many more years to come.
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