Roger Federer and Serena Williams should stick to retirement plans, says John McEnroe ahead of Laver Cup

ByEurosport

Updated 22/09/2022 at 10:23 GMT

Roger Federer and Serena Williams have won 43 Grand Slam singles titles between them. Williams has hinted that she may backtrack on her retirement following her emotional US Open send-off, but ahead of the Laver Cup – which Federer has said will be his final tournament as a professional – McEnroe believes both players should stick to their retirement plans after publicly announcing them.

‘Better for all concerned’ – McEnroe on Federer and Serena retirements

John McEnroe says tennis fans would want to see Roger Federer and Serena Williams "play forever", but believes neither player should do a U-turn after announcing their retirements.

Federer confirmed this week that he is "definitely" retiring from the sport and would not consider returning to competitive tennis in the future, while Williams subtly hinted she could return to the tennis when asked on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon if she would make a comeback.

McEnroe does not think an athlete should go back on their decision after announcing their retirements, but says the decision ultimately comes down to the individual.

WTA Charleston

Collins 'so grateful' for Williams sisters' support after winning Charleston title

08/04/2024 at 10:11

"Both of these superstars and legends can do whatever they want," he told Eurosport.

"To me when you announce retirement, you should retire. But you look at other athletes and they come back and they think 'hey I just played well I can still win' so that's really up to them.

"On the one hand I think they're ready to move on, but then it's so difficult to do that because it's such a big part of your life. Then if they did come back you wouldn't hold it against them.

"Of course we want to see them play forever but it feels like when you make those type of announcements it's right to say 'this is the way it should end'. I think it would be better for all concerned."

Federer is the 'most beautiful player I have ever seen' – McEnroe

Federer will be part of a formidable Team Europe at this weekend's Laver Cup alongside Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, with the trio boasting 63 Grand Slam titles between them.

Former world No. 1 Andy Murray, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud make up the rest of the team with Italy's Matteo Berrettini named as an alternate.

McEnroe believes Federer's farewell at the O2 Arena in London is going to be an "incredible" send-off.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner added: "Serena's thing was amazing at the US Open. I have a feeling this is going to be incredible for Roger. I think he's ready."

Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg, who won 11 Grand Slam titles in his decorated career, said: "I wish him the best of luck in life. Whatever he chooses to do. He has a long life to live and a lot of opportunities. It's great and I wish him the best of luck."