The Christmas period is when many people make their predictions for the year ahead and, here at TennisWorldLive.com, we are no different. So, looking into our crystal ball, we boldly predict that 2019 will see two of the biggest names in the sport finally announce their retirements.
Will this be Roger Federer’s Swansong?
The World Number 3 and record holder of Grand Slam singles titles has defied the years and the rise of a new generation of players to keep his place at the top of the game for two decades.
Yet, despite his incredible longevity, the ageing process could take its toll eventually, and the motivation to keep training and stay fit start to wane.
We believe that 2019 is the year that he finally calls it quits – perhaps after the ATP Finals in London.
Currently on 99 senior career titles, next season should see him reach the magic 100 mark, possibly on the grass at Halle, or at the Swiss Indoors Masters, two of his favourite tournaments.
However, the odds on him adding to his haul of Grand Slam titles are probably stacked against him, with Toni Nadal, uncle and former coach of Rafael, casting his doubts.
Currently on 99 senior career titles, next season should see him reach the magic 100 mark, possibly on the grass at Halle, or at the Swiss Indoors Masters, two of his favourite tournaments.
However, the odds on him adding to his haul of Grand Slam titles are probably stacked against him, with Toni Nadal, uncle and former coach of Rafael, casting doubt on the Swiss player’s ability to compete in the biggest tournaments with the rising stars of the game like Alexander Zverev.
Federer will leave the sport a very wealthy man with career earnings to date in excess of US $120 million, and lucrative off-court sponsorship deals which will remain in place long after he retires.
Serena Williams to Emulate Margaret Court
Just 49 days younger than Federer, Serena Williams has, just like her Swiss peer, been at the top of the sport for 20 years, except for the 9 months that she took out to have her daughter in 2017.
In that time she has won 72 WTA titles and is second on the list of Grand Slam singles’ title winners, with 23 to her name. She has also enjoyed a highly successful career in doubles, and holds 16 Grand Slam titles, many of them won with her sister Venus.
Her motivation for staying in the sport is probably because she wants to emulate Margaret Court’s records of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, having missed out on the chance to draw level at Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows this year.
If she were to accomplish that feat in 2019 she would probably consider that she had achieved all that she wanted from the sport.
Again, she has benefitted hugely from tennis in financial terms, with total prize money to date of US $88 million and a slew of off the court earnings and sponsorship deals, meaning she can live the rest of her life as a very wealthy woman, whatever she decides to do next.
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