The retirement of Roger Federer has undeniably created a void in the world of tennis that will be challenging to fill. Recently, the former coach of the legendary Swiss player, Dante Bottini, conveyed his reflections on the absence of Federer from the tour. Federer, who made the decision to conclude his celebrated career following the 2022 Laver Cup in London, is widely esteemed as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Over the course of his career, Federer garnered numerous accolades, including 20 Grand Slam titles, 28 Masters 1000 titles, and six ATP Finals victories. However, his later years were plagued by injuries, ultimately leading to his retirement. Bottini, who also coached former ATP top 10 player Kei Nishikori, articulated the impact of Federer’s absence on the tennis tour.
Bottini expressed that Federer’s presence in the locker room was truly exceptional. He commanded respect not only due to his exceptional skill on the court but also as a result of his aura and humility. Bottini reminisced, “When Roger entered the locker room he had an aura. Everyone was a little bit speechless, they stared at him. He commanded respect not just by playing tennis, but just by walking around. And then he was just a normal and fun guy with a good sense of humour.”
Despite his retirement, Federer still remains one of the most successful players in the history of men’s singles tennis. With 103 singles titles, he holds the second position on the all-time men’s singles leaderboard, with only Jimmy Connors ahead of him. Federer’s remarkable career also encompasses a total of 1242 singles wins, a testament to his unparalleled talent and determination.
Regarding substantial career earnings, the recent 10-year, $700 million deal secured by MLB star Shohei Ohtani has drawn comparisons with the combined career earnings of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Notably, the big-3 of men’s tennis have attained unprecedented success in the sport, with Federer earning $130.6 million, Nadal amassing over $134.6 million, and Djokovic securing a staggering $180.6 million in career earnings.
Despite their remarkable achievements, the combined career earnings of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic amount to approximately $456 million, which pales in comparison to Ohtani’s monumental 10-year contract. The Japanese two-way phenom’s deal with the LA Dodgers stands as the largest contract in the history of team sports, solidifying his status as one of the highest-earning athletes in the world.
In conclusion, the retirement of Roger Federer has had a profound impact on the world of tennis. His unparalleled skills, remarkable achievements, and unique presence in the locker room have left an indelible mark on the sport. As fans continue to cherish his legacy, Federer’s influence will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.