Roger Federer may be set to feature as part of BBC’s coverage of Wimbledon.
Federer is the tournament’s most successful player with eight titles and may be gearing up for a different role than he has been accustomed to at the All-England Club over the last two decades. Having bid an emotional farewell to the game of tennis at the Laver Cup last September, the Swiss maestro may have the opportunity to share his expert tennis knowledge for television viewers throughout the magical July fortnight.
The Telegraph has revealed talks are at an advanced stage regarding Federer’s recruitment as BBC look to revamp their production of the event. The publication reported the Swiss legend could split his time at SW19 across both the BBC and ESPN.
Fellow tennis icon John McEnroe follows this model and this would help share the cost of employing one of sports' greatest icons. According to BBC documents, McEnroe earns a salary between £180,000 and £184,999, therefore it is likely that Federer would either be in the same bracket, if not higher.
Should a deal be secured, Federer will join a team with different presenters, especially in the absence of the retired Sue Barker, and a new studio that is being constructed on top of the old broadcasting centre. Federer hinted at his possible availability in September, on the eve of his tearful retirement.
“Commentating the odd match or giving back in this way, I guess I could imagine it,” he told reporters. “Sometimes you watch matches because of the commentary and less about the match itself.” Speaking of Barker, she shared a special relationship with Federer and famously reduced him to tears when she interviewed him after his maiden Wimbledon title in 2003.
“I hope the club will do a tribute for him next year,” Barker said last September. “If I were in the job I would certainly be pushing to celebrate his career at Wimbledon.” Post-retirement Federer has spent some of his time enjoying his hobbies of art and fashion.
A documentary released last month titled “Portrait of a Champion” showcased the unique and unusual art collaboration between Federer and acclaimed Swiss artist and sculptor Ugo Rondinone.
In order to capture his 3D figure for the sculpture, he had to endure hours inside full-body moulds, hanging from a harnesses. The tennis legend even had his entire face covered in silicone.
“I feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity to work with both Ugo Rondinone and Credit Suisse as the world of art has been something I have long admired,” Federer said regarding the experience.
“This new experience gave me the chance to push me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to learn the intricate processes of creating art.”
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