Briton Andy Murray said Monday that Roger Federer, a young retiree, was the perfect replacement for Bjorn Borg, who announced on Sunday that he would withdraw from the captaincy of the European Laver Cup team after the next edition in Vancouver.
“I’m sure Roger will stay involved in this event one way or another and maybe one day as captain of the team.”Murray said in remarks reported by the PA agency on Monday.
Federer had played the last game of his very prestigious career on Friday evening, during the first day, by playing a double alongside Rafael Nadal, which they had lost narrowly against Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
But even before his very moving farewell at 41, the winner of 103 titles on the ATP circuit, including 20 Grand Slams, had assured that he would remain in the world of tennis, without knowing exactly in what form.
He then remained alongside the European team, providing advice to his teammates, even if Europe ended up conceding their first defeat in five editions (13-8) against the Rest of the World.
“Look, he is great at the edge of the pitch. He watches a lot of tennis, he loves this sport. I think for former players who want to become a coach, it’s important to stay up to date and get to know the players well.continued Murray, who is 35 himself.
“I don’t know if it’s something he will do but I hope he stays active in tennis. He said he would (…) Maybe he will do some TV. I know how much he loves Wimbledon. But yeah, it would be great for tennis if he stuck around.”.
Novak Djokovic, who was also part of the European team, also believes that “Roger has a lot to offer”.
“It makes sense to expect him to share so many useful and valuable things with others. If it appeals to him, I’m sure he would bring a lot of positive things to the progress of this player or this player, in all aspects on and off the court.he detailed.