Covid-19 pandemic forced ATP and WTA Tour to suspend tournaments until at least 2020 June 7th, but obviously Wimbledon and Roger Federer’s come back are also at risk. In fact, for now, the direct consequence of the Coronavirus was the cancellation or movement of the whole clay season, from the Monte-Calo Rolex Masters to the Barcelona Open, to the Mutua Madrid Open, Italian Open and, of course, Roland Garros, which will be played from 20 September to 4 October 2020.
But no one can know the actual duration of the pandemic, so Wimbledon could also be at risk. The board of the All England Club let it be known that without a crowd the tournament would not make sense. Why is all this related to Roger Federer’s career? The Swiss Maestro said he is expected to play to up to the age of 40, that is until 2021.
Will the events surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic confirm his decision or bring some surprises? Because, as we know, Wimbledon is always the main goal of Roger’s season. If the tournament were to be canceled this year, Federer would have only one more chance to compete and try to win the title, in 2021.
This eventuality could lead him to reflect on his career and on his retirement. Considering everything, Federer could decide to extend his professional activity until 2022, perhaps choosing the edition of Wimbledon 2022 as the last tournament.
In that case, he would still be 40 years old (he would celebrate his 41st birthday, a few weeks after the Championships), keeping faith in his intention to quit at 40 years-old. These are only guesses, but I believe that they will not diverge too much from reality if the Covid-19 pandemic should force the organizers to cancel Wimbledon 2020.
“I Used To Chase The Players For Autographs”- Roger Federer
Roger Federer wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He earned his spot in the difficult tennis world and learned things the hard way.
Roger has paid his dues on the court as he has also worked as a ball boy. Obviously, now that you think of the Swiss maestro as a ball boy, it looks unimaginable. However, once upon a time, it was the best way for Federer to be around tennis.
In a recent interview with ATP uncovered, the Swiss maestro remembered his days as a ball boy. Let’s hear his accounts of Basel.
What did Roger Federer say?
Roger Federer remembered how he had even made a book with pictures of tennis players. Then, he went on to become a ball boy in Basel –
“[I collected] a lot of the stickers as well. There was a year, I guess it was the beginning of the 90s when all the old tennis players were in [a book],” Federer said. “It was about the tournaments, about the trophies, about the players, so I got to know them all. And then eventually also became a ball boy in my hometown event in Basel.”
Roger revealed how he would run behind player for autographs. Those were simpler times and Roger, a die-hard fan.
“I used to chase the players for autographs, which at the time was not a big deal, as the selfie didn’t exist. So those are my memories really from back then.”
Roger Federer sharpened his teeth watching the players closely from the sidelines. He observed before going for the big one. Even now you’ll always find Roger to be very empathetic towards the ball boys.
In fact, you will never find him losing his cool over their small mistakes. This is because he understands the value of struggle. It is certainly true in the case of Roger Federer that experience is the best teacher possible.
