Despite his retirement from professional tennis, London?s tennis courts recently witnessed a remarkable comeback of a certain special talent – Roger Federer. Federer’s passion for the sport remains unwavering, as evidenced by his latest endeavor – the launch of a refurbished public tennis court in Greenwich.
Roger Federer, the Swiss Maestro, graced the city with his presence once again, although not to play at the 2023 Wimbledon Championship. Instead, he made his return by inaugurating a refurbished public court in Greenwich, showcasing his unwavering love for the game that has defined his illustrious career. Retirement can take the athlete away from the sport but what it can’t do is take the sport away from the athlete.
Roger Federer’s legacy extends beyond retirement
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This exceptional event took place under the backing of his Neon Legacy initiative, a collaborative project with Mercedes-Benz dedicated to giving something back to the society. “When you love Tennis, you don’t need to have a 20,000 seater stadium” Federer stated, showcasing his love for the sport and his commitment to bringing the joy of tennis to communities that need it most.
The first creation of this initiative was showcased at the Laver cup 2022, where Mercedes displayed a car painted in the vibrant neon yellow color reminiscent of tennis balls. The same car was sold at an auction later for ?212,750, with the proceeds allocated to grassroots tennis initiatives in the United Kingdom, as reported by Business Day.
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Retirement may have taken Roger Federer away from the professional tennis circuit, but it certainly hasn’t dampened his passion for the sport. Through his Neon Legacy initiative, Federer actively seeks to ensure accessibility to tennis for people of all ages and backgrounds, nurturing and inspiring the next generation of players. By renovating and revitalizing neglected public courts. Amidst his tireless efforts to revitalize tennis at the grassroots level, Roger Federer’s return to the sport’s roots has not gone unnoticed.
Honoring a legend: Wimbledon’s plans for Roger Federer
During a recent press conference, AELTC chairman, Ian Hewitt faced inquiries regarding Wimbledon’s intentions of extending an invitation to Roger Federer and if they would commemorate his accomplishments at the prestigious tournament.
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“He is obviously a very great champion. We have a very close association. I am delighted to say that Roger Federer has been making a visit here and as a member, is very welcome at any time,” Hewitt stated.
“And yes, we will be celebrating his achievements in an appropriate Wimbledon way in due course, more to follow,” he added.
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As fans eagerly anticipate the start of the Wimbledon Championships, the focus will be on Federer as he sets foot on the renowned grass courts, where legends have etched their names in history. Even though he won’t be playing this year, his presence alone will inspire and impress players, fans, and aspiring tennis lovers across the globe.
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