Aussie legend makes massive Federer retirement call

An Australian grand slam champion reckons it could be time for Roger Federer to consider retirement.

In one of the few times in his unparalleled 1424-match career, Federer all but raised the white flag on Tuesday (AEST) as he struggled to cope with John Millman’s relentless counter-attacking.

After the match a punch-drunk Federer admitted he was so beaten up by Millman and battered from the brutal New York heat he wanted out of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The upset loss sent shockwaves through the tennis world, with many fans calling on Federer to finally retire.

And Australian legend Pat Cash has now weighed in.

Federer has scaled back his playing schedule in recent years, but Cash says that’s had a detrimental effect.

SAY WHAT? Bizarre theory links Federer loss to global warming

“Eventually it catches up with you and you get unexplainable losses and bad performances,” said Cash.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: “It will happen once in a while and then a little bit more and a little bit more. Then you say either play a little bit more or retire.

“He may or may not make that decision this time. I’m not saying retirement is imminent but he might think enough is enough.

“When you come towards the end of the career these losses just happen and you scratch your head and ask ‘what went wrong there?'”

Gracious in defeat, Federer suspects Novak Djokovic might also be in for a tough one on Thuesday when the 13-times major champion is next to run into Millman in what will be the Queenslander’s maiden grand slam quarter-final.

“I love his intensity,” Federer said of Millman, his summer hitting partner in Switzerland earlier this year.

“He reminds me of David Ferrer and those other guys that I admire a lot when I see them, when I see how they train, the passion they have for the game. I love his intensity.

“He’s got a positive demeanour about himself on and off the court.

“I think he’s got a great backhand that he can protect very well down the line and cross-court. When you attack there in the wrong way, he will punish you, punish you every time for it.

“Then he has options, now especially where it’s a bit slower, to return in and return back.

“I think against Novak, he just has to bring it again, try to worry Novak, hope for another hot day, maybe.”

with AAP