Roger Federer will be back at Wimbledon, this time with a mike, not racket
Tennis fans are waking up to possibly one of their favorite news as Roger Federer is set to return as a commentator at the 2023 Wimbledon.
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Roger Federer
Tennis fans will again get to see the Roger Federer, forehand, backhand, volley and drive volley at Wimbledon 2023. Hold it, the Swiss master is not coming out of retirement. But, he will be wielding the mike at The Championships this summer in the most famous and rich suburb of London.
News of Federer, winner of eight men’s singles, joining the commentary team has been reported by the British media. While some say he will work for the BBC, the ace on grass could also be doubling up for ESPN. It seems like yesterday Federer strode the grass courts majestically at the All England Club, displaying his silken grass court skills.
His records are there, possibly for a long time, unless a certain Novak Djokovic wants to make a meal of it. Post retirement from professional tennis after two unsuccessful knee surgeries, Federer decided to call it a day last year at the 2022 Laver Cup. The emotional outpouring at that time from the triumvirate — Federer, Novak, and Rafael Nadal — was gut-wrenching.
Sir Andy Murray was also part of the scenes at the Laver Cup where Federer took a bow. In recent weeks, Federer and his wife Mirka have been seen at social events, and fashion shows and he has also taken part in skiing. Taking to the mic will be easy for Federer. He is a champion with impeccable articulate skills who defined grace in every form, especially the backhand.
Official confirmation awaited on Roger Federer’s Wimbledon plans
These days, professional athletes change uniforms fast. From All Whites at Wimbledon to formal stripe suits and mike in hand, Federer will make for great viewing and hearing. If tennis is the theatre in which Federer has been an integral part for so long, barring 2022, for him to now be a commentator/expert is great news. Even though he has not yet signed on the dotted line, you could be sure Roger will go for it.
Just imagine, a grasscourt high-pedigree artist who was involved in several battles. Novak and Rafa on the famous Centre Court and Federer will now be commentating on these very matches. Fans would love to hear Roger call a Novak or Rafa match. Former players in most sports who take on assignments with radio or TV turn out to be great speakers. They wax eloquently and Roger has always been a man blessed with etiquette.
The tennis world has seen him make fans cry, be it while winning or losing, but to be describing the nuances, punctuated by his expertise with words, will be a thrill. There have been many greats, before, who joined the TV commentary bandwagon. From John McEnroe to Boris Becker and Pat Cash to Jim Courier, they have caught the imagination of TV audiences with crisp comments. Roger Federer will be like freshly baked cookies, straight out of the oven.
What will add luster and sheen to his commentary is how he was so recently part of the classics at Wimbledon. He can relate to all of it from a player’s perspective. He can share his emotions, talk about what a player does at break point, and staring down the barrel, which will be lovely. Wimbledon has always seen excellent commentary over the years, be it men or women.
Last year, former champion and TV super specialist anchor Sue Barker retired after fantastic innings as a presenter with BBC. Roger Federer is out of the race for winning Grand Slam titles while competing with Novak and Rafa. But be sure will make the other former champions sweat for a living. TV commentary is cut-throat, where accuracy, articulation, and voice modulation are vital.
McEnroe has that Yank accent, Becker is soft, even though he was a killer in serve and volley. What brand of commentary Roger will bring is titillating. It just goes to show champions do not fade away so easily. They will be part of the sport in some way or the other. Over to Roger Federer.
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