“Unfortunately, Not A Fine Bottle of Wine”: Tennis Legend Makes Huge Claim on Roger Federer’s Retirement

Former British Number 1 Greg Rusedski has made a huge claim on Roger Federer and his future in tennis. One of the biggest servers in the game, Rusedski reckons the 20-time Grand Slam winner might hang up his racket next year.

“Question Mark Around Federer”, says former British No.1

Now a pundit, Rusedski said he sees Federer struggling to find his best form on return from injury. He said while Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic could play for another few years, there’s a big question mark around Federer.

“There’s no reason Nadal and Djokovic don’t go on for another for another two to four years, but Federer is the question mark,” Rusedski said.

“One more year left, Wimbledon, can he win Wimbledon? The Olympics? He’s a year-by-year case, especially after having the knee surgeries as well.

You’re not getting the guy in 2017, I’m sorry. Time has passed on,” the Briton said.

Greg Rusedski doesn’t see champion dominating on return

Rusedski said the Swiss Ace might struggle to impose himself on opponents once he returns to action.

“Can he play well? Of course, he can, but there are no surprises.  The racket’s been put in play, the style’s been put in play, what is he going to bring to the table that is going to be new? You tell me. I can’t imagine anything he can change to his game so people already know what’s coming at them,” Rusedski said.

Federer has resumed training after a knee surgery. He hasn’t announced if he will be available for the Australian Open next year.

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“Gets every bit harder”: Former star on why the Swiss might struggle

“When he won tournaments in 2017, the courts were particularly quick, the balls were quick and he brought a style that people weren’t expecting.

“They’re expecting that style now, so they know what they’re getting,” Rusedski said.

“Unfortunately, not like a fine bottle of wine like Margaux when it gets to 40 years it goes up in value, it gets every bit harder, the months you miss away from tennis.

“Six months and 11 months in men’s tennis is a huge difference,” the Briton said.

20-time Slam winner will be keen on Olympics singles gold

He said he doesn’t see Federer winning another Grand Slam. 

“He can still play great tennis, but to win the Slams is another story,” Rusedski said.

However, he added that Federer might make a last attempt to win a singles gold at next year’s Tokyo Olympics.

“The Olympics is a huge priority for him to compete there (in Tokyo) because that’s the one thing he doesn’t have, a gold medal in singles…

…that he’s desperate for,” the Briton said.

At 39, the clock is ticking and Federer may well have seen the writing on the wall.