When will Federer realistically retire?

[Qubax]

And how do we define retirment?

I have said this many times and very few humor me as it sounds outlandish - BUT, I think for all intents and purposes Federer will never truly retire.

Here's how I see it.

Fed plays through to 2020 for Basel and the Olympics. He still gets himself to the Semis or so of Wimbledon even in 2019 or 2020.

Those sorts of results help Fed to stay motivated and help to support the pillars of him continuing - Family Allows it, Body Allows it, Results are there, Competitive Fire is still there.

All of a sudden Federer is 1 year from being 40 and is pulled by that next goal of being Top 10-15ish at 40.

Once Fed is 40, his daughters will be 12 years old. By the time the better daughter is 15 she and Grandpa Fed can start to compete in Doubles at the Majors.

Fast forward another 4 or so years and he's doing the same thing with Leo or Lenny.

Fed will continue to do things like play relatively competitive singles Exo's with current stars, his peers Nadal, and maybe past Stars, while playing competitive mixed doubles and mens doubles on the main pro circuit especially at majors.

So in my opinion Federer playing meaningful, professional tennis is miles from being in the rearview mirror.

I could see Fed in his mid 50's playing with his mid 20's kids in main slam draws. Doing that math we have somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 years left of Fed at a professional level (36 years of age to 55ish)

Feel free to laugh. But this is what I believe will happen.

Federer is almost too in love of tennis for his own good (although I don't see what bad it does).

 

[sureshs]

His compatriot retired today, so he cannot be far behind

 

[Deleted member 743561]

Master Yoda, we meet again. A most popular topic has reared its head once more. Tell me, has your opinion changed regarding Roger Federer? Is he human? Is he of this Earth?!

 

[Freddy Cat]

Fed will be able to play the way he is now for a very long time. Look at older people like Ivo, whom, like Federer, has lots of natural talent/feel and can go about his business relatively easily -- nothing seems too physical. Federer is smart, has a very natural feel for the sport (obviously more-so than Ivo), and can easily apply his game to improve longevity (well placed serve, and very dangerous at the net).

Federer's a lot different from the rest of the big 4 in that sense. Everything comes so easy and fluid, and he has way more versatility. He will play as long as he doesn't decline, and that'll be for a while yet.

 

[Legend of Borg]

never

 

[tennisaddict]

never

You beat me to it.

Nevererer

 

[Qubax]

Roger Foreverer

 

[BeatlesFan]

Fed will be able to play the way he is now for a very long time. Look at older people like Ivo, whom, like Federer, has lots of natural talent/feel and can go about his business relatively easily.

But you fail to mention Fed has way more mileage on him than Ivo. Roger's played almost 1200 professional matches, Ivo has played 350. That is a MASSIVE difference of wear and tear to the body.

 

[Qubax]

But you fail to mention Fed has way more mileage on him than Ivo. Roger's played almost 1200 professional matches, Ivo has played 350. That is a MASSIVE difference of wear and tear to the body.

Yes, but Fed is also way better than Ivo.

So while he likely won't win multiple slams in a year again (this year being an exception) he should be able to remain top 5 relevant and dangerous enough to remain near the top

 

[mike danny]

The answer is very simple: when he realizes that he is not a contender for the big tournaments anymore.

 

[Qubax]

The answer is very simple: when he realizes that he is not a contender for the big tournaments anymore.

and if that happens when his daughters are 12/13 and he may be a couple of years from playing serious mixed doubles with them?

What then?

I reckon we'll see Fed hang around as an ambassador of the sport, raising money for Tsunami, Hurricane victims etc.,

The could always make a legends portion of the Laver Cup which could allow him to play in that in perpetuity.

 

[Semidios]

In 2022 at the latest.IMO.

 

[AnOctorokForDinner]

The answer is very simple: when he realizes that he is not a contender for the big tournaments anymore.

You can make it even simpler - when he's no longer a contender for Wimbledon. Until then, we could well see him Rosewall his way in semis and finals.

 

[TahoeTennis]

Whenever he's damn ready
Or
Whenever the F he wants to.

Nothing left to prove. War is over.

Vamos Fed!!

Fedalunited

Ps. 42

 

[Freddy Cat]

But you fail to mention Fed has way more mileage on him than Ivo. Roger's played almost 1200 professional matches, Ivo has played 350. That is a MASSIVE difference of wear and tear to the body.

Ivo's also 6'11, 230 lbs. I don't care how little he moves during a match, that takes its toll eventually.

 

[Bartelby]

Thirty-nine or forty seems to be the realistic upper limit. A USO farewell in 2021 would be the curtain call.

 

[BeatlesFan]

The answer is very simple: when he realizes that he is not a contender for the big tournaments anymore.

Thanks, you put it better than I could have. The slam final losses to Djoker in 2014-15 were enough to drive a lesser mortal entirely from the game. Fed arguably should have won 2/3 of those matches (some would say 3/3).

When he starts losing before the QF's routinely at every slam, when the commentators starts speaking about him as if it's Jimbo in 1991, when there's no hope, then it's time to hang it up. As long as he has even a 25% chance of bagging another slam, Fed'll be down for it.

 

[Shaolin]

Prob 2020ish. But he might stick around longer to school the next next gen.

 

[Fabresque]

2020 probably. His career longetivity is unrivaled. And the way he keeps such a high level. Age 36 and he’s won 2 slams this year. Name me another 36 year old who’s done that.

 

[Phoenix1983]

The man shall retire from singles aged 40.

Agreed upon by all objective tennis observers.

 

[ohiostate124]

Retired from singles by 40

Double with Rafa and Mixed with Hingis until 45-50

 

[Backspin1183]

It depends if he suffers another injury and is forced to sit out for another 6-7 months. Applying the logic of some Fedr fans, injury breaks prolong your career.

 

[Maestroesque]

His compatriot retired today, so he cannot be far behind

How’s that sexi backhand technique going, are you ready to finally play professional?

 

[Maestroesque]

It depends if he suffers another injury and is forced to sit out for another 6-7 months. Applying the logic of some Fedr fans, injury breaks prolong your career.

What about when he wasn’t injured? Even though he wasn’t winning slams in 2015-2016 he was still playing at a high rate. Or is the injury excuse only for nadal?

 

[Powderwombat]

But you fail to mention Fed has way more mileage on him than Ivo. Roger's played almost 1200 professional matches, Ivo has played 350. That is a MASSIVE difference of wear and tear to the body.

The human body doesn't suffer from "wear and tear" the way you are putting it. It's not like a car after 200,000 km's the engine breaks or whatever...yes the body does "wear" after activity but it repairs/strengthens itself with adequate rest. The issue with pros getting is the recovery takes longer and it's harder to play the enormous amounts demanded by being a professional player over and over with very little rest in-between some matches.

Fed's smart he will probably just pick and choose what he plays and manage his body. But it's not like "Oh Fed's played X number of matches in his career, after playing X more his body will break down due to wear and tear". That's just not how it works despite what people will tell you.

 

[Jackuar]

The OP points sound fair and do-able, although the numbers - I don't agree - I mean, not 55-ish but probably in the mid-40s. And I don't see him playing competitive tennis with Leo/Lenny. The daughters, possible? May be mixed doubles in about 7-8 years. Btw, did you say they'd be 12 in 3-4 years..? Wow, time flies and I feel old!!

Edit: I still think more realistically, he's retire by 2019 end. But if he chooses to play for the love of the game and like pacing it slow and easy as in OP, then probably 45-ish is doable.

 

[dgold44]

And how do we define retirment?

I have said this many times and very few humor me as it sounds outlandish - BUT, I think for all intents and purposes Federer will never truly retire.

Here's how I see it.

Fed plays through to 2020 for Basel and the Olympics. He still gets himself to the Semis or so of Wimbledon even in 2019 or 2020.

Those sorts of results help Fed to stay motivated and help to support the pillars of him continuing - Family Allows it, Body Allows it, Results are there, Competitive Fire is still there.

All of a sudden Federer is 1 year from being 40 and is pulled by that next goal of being Top 10-15ish at 40.

Once Fed is 40, his daughters will be 12 years old. By the time the better daughter is 15 she and Grandpa Fed can start to compete in Doubles at the Majors.

Fast forward another 4 or so years and he's doing the same thing with Leo or Lenny.

Fed will continue to do things like play relatively competitive singles Exo's with current stars, his peers Nadal, and maybe past Stars, while playing competitive mixed doubles and mens doubles on the main pro circuit especially at majors.

So in my opinion Federer playing meaningful, professional tennis is miles from being in the rearview mirror.

I could see Fed in his mid 50's playing with his mid 20's kids in main slam draws. Doing that math we have somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 years left of Fed at a professional level (36 years of age to 55ish)

Feel free to laugh. But this is what I believe will happen.

Federer is almost too in love of tennis for his own good (although I don't see what bad it does).

I guess after 2019 USO !!!

 

[dgold44]

2020 probably. His career longetivity is unrivaled. And the way he keeps such a high level. Age 36 and he’s won 2 slams this year. Name me another 36 year old who’s done that.

Bill Tilden !!!
Still dominating much younger men and boys until mid 40s

 

[Surion]

I think he will retire after one last epic battle with Nadal in Wimbledon 2056, just a day after Lenny retired after losing to his dad in the semis.

 

[Standaa]

Regarding the kids - They supposedly haven't shown any interest in the sport thus far, so I highly doubt they'll train to become professionals and compete in Slams against their father.

 

[tennis_pro]

It depends if he suffers another injury and is forced to sit out for another 6-7 months. Applying the logic of some Fedr fans, injury breaks prolong your career.

Don't they? See Nadal, Serena, Haas etc.

Getting old in tennis terms isn't more about age than it is about mileage.

 

[Jackuar]

On further thoughts, second post.

Fed plays through to 2020 for Basel and the Olympics. He still gets himself to the Semis or so of Wimbledon even in 2019 or 2020.

Possible, and even probable. I wouldn't be surprised if he stretches that last mile to reach another Olympics.

..... Family Allows it, Body Allows it, Results are there, Competitive Fire is still there.

Family -- let's see. Once the daughters start "talking", he'll know what's priority. Body and Results - never a guarantee. Competitive fire - useless without the other two.

All of a sudden Federer is 1 year from being 40 and is pulled by that next goal of being Top 10-15ish at 40.

Being top 10-15 is never a Federer goal. Heck, even No.1 is not his goal right now.

Once Fed is 40, his daughters will be 12 years old. By the time the better daughter is 15 she and Grandpa Fed can start to compete in Doubles at the Majors. Fast forward another 4 or so years and he's doing the same thing with Leo or Lenny. Fed will continue to do things like play relatively competitive singles Exo's with current stars, his peers Nadal, and maybe past Stars, while playing competitive mixed doubles and mens doubles on the main pro circuit especially at majors..

Sounds nice, but practically, its a long shot. But in current generation of competitive top play, no one else will have better chance to live life like this than Fed.

I could see Fed in his mid 50's playing with his mid 20's kids in main slam draws. Doing that math we have somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 years left of Fed at a professional level (36 years of age to 55ish).

50-s, nope. 45, at max. He ain't playing with the boys. The daughters have some hope. They better start practicing right now if they haven't already.

 

[Red Rick]

People talking like he'll play mixed doubles with his daughters.

Do they even play tennis?
Are they even good at tennis?

 

[ArcspacE]

Hopefully soon - let's make tennis great again

 

[Sentinel]

His compatriot retired today, so he cannot be far behind

never

You beat me to it.

Nevererer

Roger Foreverer

You guys are all giving nightmare to @sureshs . He called it in 2007 or earlier and is still waiting 10 years on.

Once Fed retires, suresh will storm the ATP and make tennis great again.

 

[Harry_Wild]

When he no longer in the top 20 in tour ranking! I say 3 years from now!

 

[nikdom]

His compatriot retired today, so he cannot be far behind

Sureshs: pleasuring himself to this idea since 2007. I guess some fantasies never get old, just like the muses in them

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

I don't think Federer and realistically go together anymore.

 

[Gazelle]

People talking like he'll play mixed doubles with his daughters.

Do they even play tennis?
Are they even good at tennis?

Federer is good enough to win the mixed doubles on his own. Daughter just needs to stand there and hold a racket.

 

[Yoneyama]

Whenever it is, he will definitely retire on a high note. I doubt he will retire after letting himself sink 100s of ranks like some of the other greats who are on their way out of late (Haas, Robredo to name a few).

 

[Red Rick]

Federer is good enough to win the mixed doubles on his own. Daughter just needs to stand there and hold a racket.

Oh that explains it

Spoiler

weak trolling era

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Hopefully soon - let's make tennis great again

Tennis didn’t become great by offering mediocre product.

 

[nikdom]

If the body holds up, probably 2020-21

If not, maybe sooner. (Hope not)

 

[Roddick85]

As much as people try to tie-in Federer's retirement with age, I think age in his case isn't really a factor. Federer still loves the game after all these years which is amazing. As long as he'll believe he's got a legit shot at the big tournaments, he will play I think. The more he ages, the more prone he'll be to injuries, so in that regard his body could "give up" before he feels like it, but he's usually smart about his scheduling and taking care of himself, so I don't see why he wouldn't be able to squeeze out a few more years on tour and stay relevant. Let's face it, he doesn't really have any incentives to retire or even think about it right now. At 36, he still won 2 majors and a few MS-1000, #2 in the world and close to being #1, he's still very much a factor. He and Nadal are still the "main eventers" that can sellout tournaments, so the ATP needs them He's practically worshiped everywhere he goes, always has "home" court advantage against whoever he plays, while also making outrageous amount of money. If I'm Roger Federer, I'd probably hang on to all of this as much as I can because when it's all said and done, I will probably miss it.

 

[gn]

How many of us will live to see him retire?

 

[hoodjem]

Nevererer

Whenever he's damn ready
Or
Whenever the F he wants to.

Nothing left to prove. War is over.

Vamos Fed!!

Fedalunited

Ps. 42

Whenever he starts losing to Nadal, again, repeatedly.

Which at the rate he is going, could be nevererererer . . .

 

[FederErizeD]

1-2 years max..

Fed's body will not hold up for any longer than 2 years .. I expect an injury (most probably a back injury) to call it off for him.

I'm a fan .. I absolutely LOVE for him to be healthy and to continue to play till the end of time, but it's just not gonna happen.

He himself realizes that and even said recently something like "I don't get up in the morning with the same feeling I used to have when I was younger"

and "you should see how I feel/look now in the 1st 5 minutes after waking up" ..

It's sad .. but it's real

 

[hoodjem]

He himself realizes that and even said recently something like "I don't get up in the morning with the same feeling I used to have when I was younger"

and "you should see how I feel/look now in the 1st 5 minutes after waking up" ..

It's sad .. but it's real

Happens to many after a night of changing diapers and taking someone to the potty at 2 AM and 4 AM.

 

[TheMaestro1990]

2031

 

[Red Rick]

It can happen any year.
The thing that declines most profoundly is recovery and constistency.

If the recovery becomes in Slams even if he doesn't play long matches then it's over.