Roger Federer in talks to join Wimbledon coverage in huge boost to BBC after Sue Barker’s retirement
ROGER FEDERER is reportedly in talks to join the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage.
The ever-popular eight-time champion, 41, retired in emotional scenes across London at the O2 Arena in September.
AlamyRoger Federer could join the BBC’s Wimbledon team this year[/caption]
But in the Beeb’s first Wimbledon since 1992 without the beloved Sue Barker who retired last summer, he could make an immediate return.
So the prospect of adding Federer to the line-up of commentators and pundits would be a major boost.
Barker hinted at the possible new addition to the team that currently includes John McEnroe, Tim Henman, Martina Navratilova and Tracy Austin.
Now The Telegraph report the Swiss legend could split his time at SW19 across the BBC and ESPN – as McEnroe does at the All England Club – which would help share the cost of employing one of sports’ greatest icons.
But unlike the American – who has been paid between £180,000 and £184,999 for the past two years – Federer would likely opt for a more relaxed schedule in his first year in the gig.
However, he will need to ensure he remembers his accreditation to enter the grounds – after being denied entry by a stringent security guard when he tried to pop into the club in November.
Federer played the final singles match of his astonishing tennis career at Wimbledon, losing to Hubert Hurkacz in their 2021 quarter-final on Centre Court.
The 20-time major winner did step foot on his beloved lawn last year.
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But as he tried to recover from knee surgery – which ultimately he could not – he was announced to an adoring crowd as part of the stadium’s centenary celebrations.
Federer promised before his farewell match with Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup that he would remain involved in tennis.
That has not stopped him, though, from exploring other avenues including skiing, Paris Fashion Week and stripping down to his boxers for some eyebrow-raising art.
Federer could follow John McEnroe’s lead of splitting his time with ESPNRichard Pelham / The Sun
Federer and Rafael Nadal were in tears as the Swiss hero retired in SeptemberGetty
