Recently retired tennis icon Roger Federer is reportedly close to joining the BBC's commentary team for Wimbledon this July.
Federer announced his retirement from professional tennis last September after 24 years on the men's tour.
According to the UK Telegraph's tennis correspondent Simon Briggs, "talks are at an advanced stage" to get Federer on board as the BBC looks to revamp its home broadcast of the grass-court major.
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To finance the deal, Briggs envisaged Federer "doubling up" between BBC and ESPN - alternating daily between commentating a match for one network before engaging in a punditry appearance on the other.
"Two different employers would help to cover Federer's costs, which – for a man who used to command at least $1m per day for an exhibition event – are likely to be substantial," he wrote.
https://twitter.com/gigicat7_/status/1621632672215834627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/VFebbo96/status/1621634004100456450?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwSpeaking ahead of his final match at a Laver Cup event in London, Federer voiced his desire to possibly return to tennis in a commentary role sometime down the track.
"I never thought I would say this," he told reporters.
"But six months ago, I suddenly thought [about] commentating on tennis someday. Who knows.
Roland-Garros 2023. Every Match. Ad-free. Centre Court coverage in 4K UHD on Stan Sport
"Although I always said I would never do that. But to commentate on some matches at Wimbledon...
"Commentating the odd match or giving back in this way, I guess I could imagine it. Sometimes you watch matches because of the commentary and less about the match itself."
The BBC was heavily criticised last year after it attempted to reinvigorate its traditional coverage of Wimbledon.
While the inclusion of Federer will strengthen its lineup, English sports commentators Clare Balding and Isa Guha are also tipped to join the coverage after former professional tennis player and long-standing presenter Sue Barker announced her retirement last year.
The last time Roger Federer visited SW19, his plans were thwarted by an eager security guard who denied the Swiss master entry as he was unable to provide his membership card.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Recently retired tennis icon Roger Federer is reportedly close to joining the BBC's commentary team for Wimbledon this July.
Federer announced his retirement from professional tennis last September after 24 years on the men's tour.
According to the UK Telegraph's tennis correspondent Simon Briggs, "talks are at an advanced stage" to get Federer on board as the BBC looks to revamp its home broadcast of the grass-court major.
READ MORE: IOC 'hypocrites' roasted for Russia move
READ MORE: Ricciardo's hilarious late-night US TV interview
READ MORE: Ford makes miraculous return to Formula One
To finance the deal, Briggs envisaged Federer "doubling up" between BBC and ESPN - alternating daily between commentating a match for one network before engaging in a punditry appearance on the other.
"Two different employers would help to cover Federer's costs, which – for a man who used to command at least $1m per day for an exhibition event – are likely to be substantial," he wrote.
https://twitter.com/gigicat7_/status/1621632672215834627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/VFebbo96/status/1621634004100456450?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwSpeaking ahead of his final match at a Laver Cup event in London, Federer voiced his desire to possibly return to tennis in a commentary role sometime down the track.
"I never thought I would say this," he told reporters.
"But six months ago, I suddenly thought [about] commentating on tennis someday. Who knows.
Roland-Garros 2023. Every Match. Ad-free. Centre Court coverage in 4K UHD on Stan Sport
"Although I always said I would never do that. But to commentate on some matches at Wimbledon...
"Commentating the odd match or giving back in this way, I guess I could imagine it. Sometimes you watch matches because of the commentary and less about the match itself."
The BBC was heavily criticised last year after it attempted to reinvigorate its traditional coverage of Wimbledon.
While the inclusion of Federer will strengthen its lineup, English sports commentators Clare Balding and Isa Guha are also tipped to join the coverage after former professional tennis player and long-standing presenter Sue Barker announced her retirement last year.
The last time Roger Federer visited SW19, his plans were thwarted by an eager security guard who denied the Swiss master entry as he was unable to provide his membership card.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
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