Will Federer Retire #1?

Question

Federer a year ago formerly stated he intends to play until 2012, particularly to the Summer Games in London since he wants to win a Gold Medal.

http://english.people.com.cn/200701/29/eng20070129_345737.html

That's one link, most of them are dead by now, but that's one so you know I'm not pulling your leg.

For anyone who understands the points system, and with Djokovic's huge slip up at this year's Wimbledon showing he doesn't have the consistency of Federer ( let alone Nadal not making more than two semis in a row ), Roger should by all likelihood keep his #1 ranking until at least 2010.

That said he very well could retire from the tour but come back to just play at the Games.

On the other hand, Rod Laver at 31 years of age, which is what Federer would be in 2012, completed the Calendar Grand Slam.

With all this in mind, could Federer retire as the world #1 in either 2010 or 2012??

P.S. I mean without losing his ranking at any point.

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

I dunno he has certainly a good chance, I read a while back something silly like he could lose his next 40 matches and still be number 1! I dont think the gap is that far now. with his consistency though he could well do. He has to win wimbledon this year though, I think if nadal beats him that will give nadal alot of confidence that beat roger at his home on grass. It will be tight I hope rog wins. But yes I think he will retire as number 1 if he keeps up his consistency.

Answer 3

That's a pretty tough question especially since now, Nadal and Djokovic are coming up. He's number one, there is no doubt about it, but retiring at number 1, I don't know. If he can stay healthy, then he probably will. But he has to watch out for Nadal who is proving to everyone that he can play on grass as well. Djokovic is also a threat. So we'll see what happens

Answer 4

It's difficult but possible.  You know what?  Federer and Henin are the No.1s and No.1 pair for this era, and what's interesting is how Henin retired while being No.1 and that her fellow No.1 for this era, Federer, has the possibility to do the same as she did.  It's because the two are really incredible and dominant.

Answer 5

I think rodger federer is amazing he has beaten everyone and has proven that he is #1. i think he will retire at #1 and im sure he will win lots of more championships including wimbolden this year

Answer 6

I think Nadal is going to surpass him within this year as the new number 1.  I can't think of any players that had long careers and still retired as number 1s.  So, I'm guessing Federer will not retire as a number 1.

Answer 7

Comparing Rod Laver to Fed isn't really fair since Rod really didn't have much in the way of competition during his runs. Fed has Rafa a proven champ on all surfaces now, Novak who if he matures and smartens up will pose a threat, Marat who if he comes back and continues to not loose his temper will shoot for his former #1 ranking, Andy "I'm a Scot" Murray now that he is maturing and playing much better, Andy "I know now that I need more than just a serve" Roddick, Richard "if I get serious and train hard I could be great again" Gasquet, Jo Wilfried "Lil Ali" Tsonga, Lleyton "I'm working out and eating healthy to make my HOTT wife happy & I am a former #1 and want it again" Hewitt, and a few others making their climb up the ladder.

I heard Roger say that , just as I heard him say that he would be happy just winning 2 or even 1 Grand Slam per year. One slam per year with a lighter schedule is hardly going to keep him at number 1 but with so many competitors fighting it out for the other 3 Slams then it just may happen. I hope it does but I wouldn't bet the farm on it. He already has the longest record of weeks at #1 at over 4 years 5 months and the target on his back is getting larger all the time.  I think he should be good for another year but as soon as he slows down and focuses just on winning the French which I fear he may do as early as after this US Open or after January 09 AO then he will leave himself open and vulnerable to being overtaken. Good question.