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Roger Federer Australian Open 2020

“Roger Federer has done more for the popularity of tennis than almost anyone in history,” Former Wimbledon champion dismisses odd claim


Former doubles star Rennae Stubbs says ‘tennis does not need Roger Federer THAT much’ after getting embroiled in a twitter spat about the Swiss star’s importance to the sport.

Stubbs enjoyed a fine career on the doubles circuit, winning six Grand Slam titles, including two at Wimbledon.

Responding to a tweet suggesting Roger Federer’s absence through injury has delayed the return of tennis following the coronvirus break, Stubbs angrily dismissed such a claim.

“You think Madrid needs Roger to make money? You think the Canadian open needs Roger to make money?

“You think Monte Carlo, Queens, Wimbledon, Cincinnati needs Roger?

“Many of those tournaments haven’t had Roger before and gone ahead and been just fine.

“I know how important and influential he and team 8 are but there is NO way they’re that important.”

Despite his insistence that tennis can do just fine without Roger Federer, Stubbs does acknowledge his influence.

“Roger Federer has done more for the popularity of tennis than almost anyone in history,” Stubbs added.

“Instead of ripping him, we should be thankful for him and his longevity, I am. I’m also thankful for Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.”


Michael Graham, Tennishead.net Editor, has been a professional sports journalist for his whole career and is especially passionate about tennis. He's been the Editor of Tennishead.net for over 5 years and loves watching live tennis by visiting as many tournaments as possible. Michael specialises in writing in-depth features about the ATP & WTA tours.