Roger Federer has reiterated that he has no retirement plans, but has given an insight into how he would announce such a revelation following his latest win at the US Open.
The world No.2 strolled into the third round at Flushing Meadows after defeating France’s Benoit Paire 7-5, 6-4, 6-4. Recording his 338th main draw win in a grand slam tournament. Following on from the match, the Swiss player was once again questioned about when he will retire from the sport. He is currently the oldest player ranked in the top 100 on the men’s tour at the age of 37.
“I would first check with my family,” Federer said about retirement.
“If the team and everybody thinks that this is it now, and I feel it’s truly that, I wouldn’t probably tell it to that one journalist just it happened I was doing that interview that day,” he said.
Federer has become somewhat of a pro when discussing the subject. Pointing out that he was first asked about retirement nine years age. During his career, he has won 98 titles on the ATP Tour and spent a record 310 weeks as world No.1.
“In the beginning, you’re like, What? It can’t be true,” Federer explained during his press conference.
“Eventually, OK, fine I get it, they’re allowed to ask it. Then you get to a point where everybody has to ask it because it could be that I would be the one in that very moment to reveal that this might be it.”
Earlier this week Federer fans went into a Frenzy when the Swiss Maestro mentioned the R-word following his first round win at the US Open. Telling ESPN ‘‘It’s almost time to retire… but not yet!’ He later clarified his remarks by saying it was ‘a total joke’ and had no significance.
Awaiting Federer in the third round will be Australian 30th seed Nick Kyrgios, who came through a controversial match against Pierre Hugues-Herbert. A player he last lost to back in 2015.
“I definitely know that I won’t be the favourite, the crowd favourite here. I go into that match with zero expectation. I do believe I can beat him. I have done it before. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” Kyrgios commented about the upcoming meeting.
Federer currently leads Kyrgios 2-1 in their head-to-head.
