The wildly popular Roger Federer on Tuesday announced he was skipping Rio and shutting down the rest of his season to heal his injury-plagued body.
Fans around the world reacted with a mixture of acute sadness, disappointment and shock – never before in his career has the Swiss champion taken such an extended break from the tour. Nor suffered many injuries, for that matter.
Many people follow tennis simply to watch Federer’s silky smooth strokes, fleet footwork and classic style.
Now that he’s gone, who will they support?
Thankfully, there’s many other talented, exciting players on tour – of all ages and styles and at various stages of their careers – to root for.
Here’s some of the most notable …
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With Federer gone, why not appreciate his stylistic double? Grigor Dimitrov’s strokes bear such a likeness to Federer that is earned him the nickname “Baby Fed”. His game is one for the purists.
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Why not the man who inflicted Federer’s last defeat? Canadian Milos Raonic ended Federer’s Wimbledon campaign in the semifinals and has the “big game” – booming serve and forehand plus attacking instincts – as well as Federer’s ice cool demeanour that make him compelling to watch.
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Is there a more electrifying player in the game than Nick Kyrgios? In an interview with Will Swanton in the Weekend Australian Magazine, former Aussie Davis Cup player John Alexander said Kyrgios can be more exhilarating to watch than Federer himself.
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Swiss Stan Wawrinka is a regular Davis Cup teammate of Federer’s and formed half of their gold medal-winning partnership in Beijing 2008. And some might argue that although Fed’s one-handed backhand is lauded, the Swiss No.2’s is a better stroke. Watching Stan pummel the ball is one of the greatest sights in tennis.
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The American teen idolised Federer and the way he’s developing, he is widely touted as a future world No.1. If you like your players in the Federer mould of earnest, respectful and hard-working, then Fritz is your guy.
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Perhaps tennis’ most recent major champion is the one to get behind? A lot of people believe Murray’s breakthrough at Wimbledon – three years after his last major title – could be the opening of the floodgates. The Scot is an articulate champion, a great role model and one of the newest members of the ATP Player Council.
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Thiem’s flashy game – featuring massive power, a delightful one-handed backhand and explosive, athletic movement – has made the Austrian one of the fastest-rising and increasingly popular players in the game. He plays all the time, so you’re sure to catch him on a court somewhere in the world soon!
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Another player touted as a potential world No.1, Alexander Zverev is all rangy power and rockstar swagger. A win over Federer recently in Halle didn’t hurt his crednetials, either …
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This youngster has been quite the find. Just a few weeks after winning the junior singles title at Wimbledon, the 17-year-old Canadian stunned everyone with a bold upset victory over Nick Kyrgios on Centre Court at the Toronto Masters. He loves the big stage, and has the weapons – left-handed game, blistering forehand and one-handed backhand – to thrill the crowds once he’s there.
