John McEnroe says Roger Federer and Serena Williams are ‘irreplaceable’ however that tennis ‘goes on it doesn’t matter what’ because the Swiss prepares to play his last match on Friday.
Switzerland’s Roger Federer takes half in a observe session forward of the 2022 Laver Cup on the O2 Arena in London on 22 September 2022. Picture: Glyn KIRK/AFP
LONDON – John McEnroe says Roger Federer and Serena Williams are “irreplaceable” however that tennis “goes on no matter what” because the Swiss prepares to play his last match on Friday.
Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam singles champion, will deliver the curtain down on his glittering profession within the Laver Cup at London’s O2 enviornment alongside long-time rival Rafael Nadal.
The two gamers, representing Team Europe, will take on Team World’s Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock in doubles within the night session on the primary day of the occasion.
The 41-year-old Federer’s retirement comes scorching on the heels of an identical choice by Williams, who gained 23 majors in singles.
McEnroe, who’s captain of Team World, admitted the game would miss the 2 gamers however is optimistic in regards to the future, simply weeks after 19-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz gained the US Open.
“These two players are irreplaceable,” he mentioned. “I don’t think there is any question about that.”
But he added: “The sport goes on no matter what, and we have witnessed that in every sport over time.
“The alternative is there to market these younger youngsters in a approach that I do not suppose we’ve got efficiently accomplished earlier than.”
McEnroe, who won seven Grand Slam singles titles, said Williams had “introduced electrical energy” to the recent US Open, where she lost in the third round.
But he said other players such as Alcaraz and America’s Tiafoe, who lost to the Spaniard in the semifinal at Flushing Meadows, made it an “electrifying occasion”.
Taylor Fritz, who is also part of Team World, said the two big retirements would be tough on a lot of fans but the future was bright.
FEDERER FANS
“Serena and Roger in all probability have extra followers than anyone in tennis,” said the American. “But, you realize, there’s so many extra gamers.
“I think tennis is becoming so much more entertaining because you’re seeing so many new people win.
“It’s actually thrilling that going into these huge occasions there are 10 totally different folks that might probably win. Hopefully, their followers keep within the sport, need to preserve watching.”
Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime believes there are exciting times ahead with “loads of new gamers enjoying superb, very intense and entertaining tennis”.
But he hopes Federer and Williams stay around the game.
“They have been icons, idols to all of us sitting right here,” he said at a pre-tournament press conference. “Hopefully, you realize, they’ve an opportunity to present again in some type and keep round tennis.”
Nadal, 36, who first played against Federer on the ATP Tour in 2004, said he did not need the retirement of his long-time adversary to remind him that “the tip is nearer”.
“You know, the conventional cycle of life is that this,” he said. “Some folks depart and others want to come back.
“Nothing new. History repeats always. Just this time it’s us, and in this particular case is probably one of the most if not the most important player in the history of this sport that is leaving after a super great and super long career.”
Andy Murray, one other veteran member of Team Europe, admitted ideas of retirement had crossed his thoughts.
“As you get older as athletes and with some of the physical issues you do think about what if or when should you stop and when is the right moment and how would you like it to be,” mentioned the three-time Grand Slam champion.
“I have thought about it myself, but I don’t think there’s many better ways to go out than like this.”