In his post-retirement life, Roger Federer seems to have reinvented himself as a fashion icon. Seamlessly integrating his on-court grace and sophistication into his off-court persona, the Swiss maestro has brought the spotlight on his signature style. From hosting the Met Gala to auctioning his 2018 Australian Open apparel, the 42-year-old is expanding his much-accomplished career in new directions.
Roger Federer was, in fact, the developer of the Laver Cup tournament. His management company, TEAM8, along with Tennis Australia, conceptualised the tournament as a tribute to Rod Laver and utilised his name as a reflection of the highest standards of excellence in the sport. Since quitting the tennis scene, the 20-time grand slam champion has taken the back seat in on-court performances but his appearance in this year’s Laver Cup has had the cameras rolling and directed solely towards the Swiss icon.
Roger Federer stuns fans with classy Laver Cup gala attire
Roger Federer took to the Laver Cup black carpet draped in an all-black suit and pant, with a black bow and topped off with a classy dark coolers. One could mistake the tennis star for a member of the Men In Black brigade; such was his signature chic look.
In a chilly, snowy Vancouver night, Federer was all smiles as he looked forward to see his European comrades stage a comeback after Team World had won the title last year.
Roger Federer will attend this year’s tournament and took time out to offer his expectations on the event, amid talks of him captaining Team Europe in future events.
“I am very happy and excited to be here. It will be a short but very beautiful competition, three days full of action. Three days where we will see many good matches. I am enthusiastic and curious about doubles, this competition often offers new teams and maybe, for one thing, I would like to see a doubles team made up of Hubert Hurkacz and Andrey Rublev.”, he said.
“Then in the rest of the world there are many interesting names, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe or Taylor Fritz and they can do several doubles like authentic superstars. I like being in this sphere and who knows maybe one day I will be the captain of one of the two teams.”, he added.
“There are no plans for now, but I think it could be very cool. For me personally this competition exceeded expectations. I never thought I’d play in Geneva and obviously I’m nostalgic thinking about the day of my retirement.”, he continued.
“Seeing people from different countries come together in one team, including me, Rafa and Novak, was wonderful. Then to see Borg and McEnroe commit to this role has been wonderful over the years.”, he concluded.
Federer’s last Laver Cup appearance ended in doubles defeat
After announcing his retirement, Roger Federer entered the 2022 Laver Cup knowing it would be the last time he would play in front a crowd. After his compatriots had mixed results in the singles matches, Federer and Rafael Nadal took to the court to face Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe on the finale of Day 1.
Knowing that a win would even the points tally for Team Europe, the Fed-Rafa pair came out all guns blazing and won the first set 6-4. The second set proved tougher, as Sock and Tiafoe fought hard to settle the scores with a tiebreaker. The American duo produced aggressive tennis to seal the second set in their favour.
As Laver Cup rules would have it, there was no third set but instead a 10-point tiebreak would decide the winner. After a seesaw battle that began at 1-1 and prolonged to 9-9, Jack Sock produced two ripping forehands to settle the set and match 4-6, 7-6,[11-9].
That loss would be the final match ever for Roger Federer as he hung his boots afterwards. He has since focused on extending his legacy through other means, such as entrepreneurial ventures and off-court appearances.
What are your opinions on Roger Federer’s legacy and what do you think about his dashing Laver Cup appearance? Will the Swiss master continue to throng the tennis courts through captaincy or coaching? Let us know in the comments section below.
