‘Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both in love with tennis and won’t disappear when they retire’
Tennis might initially find it difficult to replace Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal once they decide to hang up their rackets, but the sport can take comfort in the fact that the duo are unlikely to “disappear”, according to Federer’s coach Ivan Ljubicic.
Twenty-time Grand Slam winners Federer and Nadal have been an iconic pair not only in tennis, but world sport for the best part of two decades. Fierce rivals on the court, they also share a special bond off the court.
View this post on Instagram
However, with Federer celebrating his 40th birthday next year and Nadal turning 35, it is a given that retirement is not too far off.
Many fear that tennis might take a big hit once they call it a day, but Ljubicic says the duo’s love for tennis will see them remain involved in some capacity.
“Replacing Federer and Nadal will be difficult. But I don’t think tennis is in danger as a sport: it was also thought after [Bjorn] Borg and [John] McEnroe, or after [Andre] Agassi and [Pete] Sampras,” he told Tennis Magazine Italia.
“Perhaps, in the short term, those who win after them will not have the same appeal, the same charisma. But maybe they will buy it over time. But there is one thing that consoles me.
“That they are both in love with tennis. When they stop playing, Roger and Rafa will not disappear. There are other number ones that, once stopped, no one has seen them again. Roger and Rafa no, they will stay.”
Asked in what capacity they will remain involved, he replied: “Well, I don’t decide that. Nadal already has his own academy. Roger is his agency, and then he created the Laver Cup… After that I don’t know, I can’t know how things will go. In my opinion, they won’t be doing one thing full time.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”