You think Madrid needs Roger to make money? says former Australian Champion

20 time Grand Slam champion, Roger Federer broke millions of hearts when he announced his decision to return to the court only at the beginning of 2021. The reason behind his skipping the rest of the 2021 season, is that the former World No.1 has undergone a double operation on his right knee.

Federer has only played Australian Open 2020 this year and as for now is hoping with the intention of being 100% fit for the Australian Open 2021. Federer could play a preparation tournament for the Happy Slam (depends upon the turn the calendar will take) according to the 39-year-old’s coach Severin Luthi.

Meanwhile, Rennae Stubbs former doubles star on the one side praised the longevity of the eight-time Wimbledon champion, and on the other hand, advocated the need for tennis to break free from its icon.

Stubbs on Roger Federer

“You think Madrid needs Roger to make money? The Canadian open needs Roger to make money? You think Monte Carlo, Queens, Wimbledon, Cincinnati needs Roger? Many of those tournaments haven’t had Roger before and gone ahead and been just fine.” Stubbs said as quoted by Tennis World.

Roger Federer’s absence through injury has delayed the return of tennis following the coronavirus break, Responding to a tweet Rennae Stubbs angrily dismissed such a claim.

“I know how important and influential he and team 8 are but there is NO way they’re that important. Roger Federer has done more for the popularity of tennis than almost anyone in history. Instead of ripping him, we should be thankful for him and his longevity, I am. I’m also thankful for Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.” Stubbs added.

Provided that the Coronavirus emergency allows the five-circle event to be organized safely, Federer has already targeted Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics next year. Since he began his career, Federer never really stayed home for more than a few weeks and still Olympic gold one of the few goals still missing from Roger’s wall.

Also read: Rennae Stubbs snubs fans targeting Roger Federer says, “He has done more for tennis popularity than anyone”