Britain’s Andy Murray said on Monday that Roger Federer, a young retiree, was the perfect replacement for Bjorn Borg, who announced on Sunday that he would step down as captain of the European Laver Cup team after the next edition in Vancouver.
“I’m sure Roger will remain involved in this event in one way or another and maybe one day captain the team,” Murray said in remarks reported by PA on Monday.
Federer had played the final match of his very long career on Friday night on the first day, playing a doubles alongside Rafael Nadal, which he had narrowly lost to Americans Jack Sock and Francis Tiafoe.
But even before his very emotional farewell at the age of 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 stuck by the European team, offering advice to his teammates, even as Europe ended up conceding their first defeat in five editions (13-8) to the Rest of the World.
“Look, he’s great on the edge of the pitch. He watches a lot of tennis, he likes this sport. I think for ex-players who want to become managers, it’s important to stay informed and know the players well,” continued Murray, who is 35 himself.
“I don’t know if it’s something he’ll do, but I hope he stays active in tennis. He said he will (…) Maybe he will do TV. I know how much he loves Wimbledon. But yeah, it would be great for tennis if it stuck. »
Novak Djokovic, who was also part of the European team, believes that “Roger has a lot to offer.”
“It is reasonable to expect that he would share so many useful and valuable things with others. If he tells him, I’m sure it would bring a lot of positive things to the progress of this player or that player, in all aspects on and off the court,” he clarified.
