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WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND: Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates victory with the trophy after the men’s singles final match against Andy Roddick of USA on Day Thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England. Federer won 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 16-14. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
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WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND: Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates victory with the trophy after the men’s singles final match against Andy Roddick of USA on Day Thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England. Federer won 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 16-14. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Inevitable as it is, Roger’s retirement is a topic that Roger Federer fans would prefer not to dwell on. However, former Grand Sam champion Michael Stich has revealed what he reckons would be the perfect setting for the Swiss Master to bid adieu to tennis.
The former German star has said that it would be a fitting end to one of the most illustrious sporting journeys of all time if Federer were to bow out after winning the Wimbledon championship this year.
Stich says Wimbledon will offer the perfect setting for Roger Federer to retire
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In an interview, Sitch, who conquered the All-England turf in 1991, said that a ninth Wimbledon title, which will put Federer on level with Martina Navratilova for the most number of trophies won at the event. Stitch thinks this would be the perfect way for Federer to sign off on a glorious note.
The German said that as sad as it will be to see Federer ride into the sunset, ?it is clear that at some point, he (Federer) will stop.??He added that even the best of careers have to end at some point and it?s only a matter of time before Federer, too, says enough is enough.
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Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates victory following his Men’s Singles third round match against Lucas Pouille of France during Day six of The Championships – Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
?I would wish for him to win Wimbledon and say after the final: ?You know what, I had a sick time. I’ll stop??, the German said.
Write off Federer at your own peril, says Michael Stich
Federer, who is currently tied with Rafael Nadal for the most number of Grand Slam titles in the men?s game, at 20 apiece, has been out of action for over a year now. He announced a break from tennis on account of a knee surgery after the Australian Open last year and did not travel to Melbourne Park this year, citing lack of fitness.
However, the Swiss player has since made known his much-awaited comeback event, which will be at ATP Doha in March.
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Stich said while it?s ?questionable? whether Federer will regain his vintage form upon return, one should never write him off as he has a ?gifted set of skills? that enables him to play tennis of the highest order even at his age.
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Stich added that since mental strength and willpower play a big part in keeping a player going as they get older, Federer will fancy winning at Wimbledon again as, with the previous eight titles to his name at the event, he holds a mental edge over his rivals going into the tournament and derives the ?greatest joy? in lifting that trophy.
