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Photo of Roger Federer sparks bizarre conspiracy theory

The tennis world is in a frenzy over this photo of Roger Federer.

The Swiss tennis legend, world famous for his one-handed backhand, appears to be practicing a two-handed backhand ahead of Indian Wells.

Federer has never used a two-handed backhand at any stage of his professional career, so fans have erupted over the seemingly strange move.

Twitter account @peRFfectTennisUK, an unverified Roger Federer blog, posted the photo on Wednesday, making the stunning claim that Federer will employ the two-handed backhand during competition at Indian Wells.

“A reliable source in Indian Wells sent me this picture and I can exclusively reveal that, under the tutelage of (coach) Ljubicic, Roger will be trialling a two handed backhand this week in a bid to combat slow court surfaces,” the tweet said.

Roger Federer’s famous one-handed backhand. (Photo by Amin Mohammad Jamali/Getty Images)
Roger Federer’s famous one-handed backhand. (Photo by Amin Mohammad Jamali/Getty Images)

While the claims come from an unreputable source, they’ve certainly sent fans into a frenzy.

The majority of fans were quick to shoot down the claims however.

Federer ends retirement speculation

Federer fans worried about his retirement can rest a bit easier after the Swiss great signed up to play in the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Federer enjoyed a historic week in Dubai as he lifted an eighth trophy in the Middle Eastern country to become only the second player after Jimmy Connors to win 100 ATP Tour singles titles.

However, there is constant speculation about his future as at the age of 37 everyone knows he doesn’t have too many more years left in the sport.

Federer himself has in the past said that he doesn’t know yet when he will call it a day, but it appears that day won’t be in the next 12 months as he has signed up for next year’s event in Dubai.

“We congratulate Roger Federer on his fantastic achievement in winning 100 titles, and winning here in Dubai for the eighth time, more than any other player,” Colm McLoughlin, executive vice-chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, said.

“It is remarkable that his first title here came as long ago as 2003, and we look forward to welcoming both Federer and our ladies champion Belinda Bencic again in 2020.”

with agencies