When Roger Federer retired from tennis in 2022, many wondered how the Swiss maestro would keep himself occupied. Would he take up golf? Perhaps a quiet life in the Swiss Alps? Well, as it turns out, Federer has found another way to stay in the spotlight by starring in a primetime Super Bowl commercial alongside none other than Elmo.

Yes, you read that right. The 20-time Grand Slam champion and everyone’s favorite red Muppet are teaming up in a cheeky new ad for Swiss sportswear brand On, set to air during Super Bowl LIX. As millions tune in to watch the Philadelphia Eagles clash with the Kansas City Chiefs, Federer will be trading volleys of words, that is with Elmo, tackling a rather unusual branding issue.

The ‘QC’ Confusion: Federer and Elmo to the Rescue

In the ad, Federer and Elmo engage in a lively debate about the On logo. The Sesame Street icon, with his usual innocent curiosity, points out that the On logo might be a little too ambiguous suggesting it looks more like ‘QC’ than ‘On.’ Cue Federer’s bewildered expression as he suddenly questions whether his multi-million-dollar investment has a branding problem.

“As On continues to grow, we are always looking for new and inspiring ways to stand out as a sportswear brand. This starts with our logo, which, while simple, is often amusingly misread as ‘QC’ something we’ve long wanted to clear up in a fun and memorable way,” explained Alex Griffin, On’s Chief Marketing Officer.

Griffin further noted that the Super Bowl’s massive viewership presented a golden opportunity to clear up the confusion. “What better way to do this than during one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, alongside our longtime partner Roger Federer and Sesame Street’s Elmo a beloved icon we’ve also been working with on our next run campaign centered around softness. Stay tuned for more.”

Federer’s Business Ace: A Multi-Million Dollar Slam Dunk

Federer’s involvement with On has been nothing short of a financial grand slam. The former world No. 1 was granted a stake in the company in exchange for his endorsement, a deal that has since turned into an absolute jackpot. On Running was valued at a staggering $11 billion last year, and with its ever-growing popularity, that figure is only expected to climb.

Federer, who earned over $130 million in prize money throughout his career, has seen his real financial success come from savvy business deals. From lucrative sponsorships with Nike, Uniqlo, and Wilson to his ownership stake in On, the Swiss legend has proven that his precision extends beyond the tennis court and into the boardroom.

Reports suggest Federer owns around 3% of On’s shares, and with the company’s meteoric rise especially during the COVID-19 lockdown when online shopping skyrocketed—his investment has ballooned into an astronomical sum. If there were a Grand Slam for business acumen, Federer would have a trophy case full of them.

Reflecting on his decision to partner with On, Federer shared his motivation: “I wanted to help a Swiss brand create something cool. Do something different and make something meaningful.”

And meaningful it has certainly been. His move away from Nike to align with Uniqlo and then take an ownership stake in On is widely regarded as one of the smartest business moves by any athlete in recent history.

So, while Federer may no longer be hitting aces on the tennis court, he’s certainly serving up winning shots in the world of business. And with Elmo as his doubles partner, it’s safe to say he’s still having plenty of fun along the way.

Tennis fans worldwide have received an unexpected but thrilling update Novak Djokovic is set to make an early return to the court at the Qatar Open in Doha. The Serbian tennis legend has managed a remarkable recovery from an injury that was initially expected to sideline him for a much longer period.

The prestigious tournament, which commences on February 17, will now have one of the sport’s greatest figures in attendance.

Unexpected Recovery from Hamstring Injury

Djokovic, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, faced an injury scare during the Australian Open. He suffered a significant hamstring muscle rupture in the quarter-finals, leading to serious concerns about his fitness and availability for upcoming tournaments. Following his exit from Melbourne, he returned to his hometown of Belgrade, where he underwent thorough medical examinations and received intensive treatment to aid his recovery.

Given the severity of his injury, many believed that Djokovic would be out of action until at least the clay court season. However, his resilience and determination have once again shone through, allowing him to recover at a pace that has surprised even medical experts. His return to Qatar signifies not only his physical readiness but also his intent to build momentum for a demanding season ahead.

Aiming for Success in Doha and Beyond

While Djokovic’s participation in the Qatar Open is confirmed, his training schedule remains a crucial factor. He has yet to return to full training, which could impact his performance. Despite this, reports from Sportal suggest that he is set to depart for Doha earlier than expected to ensure he has sufficient time to regain match fitness and adapt to the conditions.

Djokovic has a strong history at the Qatar Open, having won the tournament in 2016 and 2017. His return will certainly add excitement to the event, as he looks to reclaim the title and gain valuable match practice ahead of major competitions, including Roland Garros and the Sunshine Double at Indian Wells and Miami.

Doubts Over Andy Murray’s Presence in Djokovic’s Camp

As Djokovic prepares for his return, questions remain about whether Andy Murray will accompany him to Doha. The two have recently been linked in terms of professional collaboration, but Murray’s own injury struggles cast doubt over his participation in Djokovic’s training or match preparations.

However, what is certain is that Djokovic will have key members of his support team with him. While his long-time physiotherapist Miljan Amanović will not be making the trip, Claudio Cimalja, another integral figure in Djokovic’s camp, will be by his side to ensure he remains in peak condition.

Djokovic Addresses Retirement Speculation

In a recent interview, Djokovic acknowledged that his career will eventually come to an end, but he sees no reason to step away from the game just yet. Addressing the topic, he shared a humorous anecdote about his father’s thoughts on his retirement.

“Dad has been trying to retire me for a while. No, really. But he hasn’t pressured me. He respects my decision to continue. And of course, he understands why I want to continue, but of course, he asks me like, ‘What else do you want to do?'”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion also spoke about the widespread belief that he should retire at his peak. However, Djokovic remains confident in his ability to compete at the highest level.

“Publicly and privately, many people have told me that they think it’s best for me to leave when I’m at my peak, which I understand, don’t get me wrong, I understand. But if I’m still physically fit and I feel like I can beat the best players at a Grand Slam – why would I want to stop now?”

Looking Ahead to an Eventful Season

As Djokovic prepares to step back onto the court, the tennis world eagerly anticipates how he will perform in Doha. His return not only brings star power to the tournament but also serves as an indicator of his preparedness for upcoming Grand Slam battles.

With the French Open and Wimbledon on the horizon, Djokovic’s return to competitive play in Qatar will be a crucial step in his journey this season. Whether he lifts the trophy in Doha or simply uses the tournament to test his fitness, one thing is clear Novak Djokovic is not done yet.

Simona Halep’s tennis career was defined by extraordinary highs, relentless consistency, and a stunning work ethic. However, as she bids farewell to professional tennis, her legacy remains complicated due to the doping scandal that overshadowed her final years. From her breathtaking Wimbledon triumph in 2019 to her prolonged battle against suspension, Halep’s journey has been one of both incredible success and unfortunate controversy.

A Career of Historic Achievements

At her peak, Simona Halep was an unstoppable force on the WTA tour. She first made waves in 2013 by capturing her maiden WTA title on her favored clay courts in Nuremberg, a victory that ignited a remarkable run. That same year, she clinched five more titles, signaling her emergence as one of the most consistent players in women’s tennis. By 2014, she had cemented herself among the game’s elite, maintaining a top 10 ranking for an astonishing 373 consecutive weeks between 2014 and 2021.

Despite her early success, Grand Slam glory remained elusive. After heartbreaking losses in three major finals, including a painful defeat at Roland Garros in 2017 to unseeded teenager Jelena Ostapenko, many doubted whether Halep would ever reach the pinnacle of the sport. However, in 2018, she silenced her critics with an incredible comeback victory against Sloane Stephens in the French Open final. Overcome with emotion, Halep celebrated what she described as reaching her personal Everest.

Her crowning moment, however, came in 2019 at Wimbledon, where she delivered what was arguably the greatest performance of her career. Facing the legendary Serena Williams in the final, Halep played with unparalleled precision and aggression, committing just three unforced errors in the entire match. Her 6 2, 6 2 dismantling of Williams left even the greatest of champions powerless. That victory not only secured her second Grand Slam title but also reaffirmed her position at the top of the sport.

Struggles with Injury and Decline

Despite her historic achievements, Halep’s dominance did not stand the test of time. In the years following her Wimbledon triumph, she struggled with injuries that severely impacted her form. The Covid 19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted the WTA calendar, and when play resumed, Halep was plagued by a series of physical setbacks.

By 2021, a series of injuries, including a torn calf muscle, kept her out of action for extended periods. While she managed to capture her final WTA title in Toronto in 2022, it became clear that her best years were behind her. However, the most damaging blow to her career was yet to come.

The Doping Controversy

In October 2022, Halep was provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after testing positive for Roxadustat, a banned blood boosting drug. Further investigations revealed irregularities in her biological passport, suggesting potential long term violations.

A four year ban was handed down in 2023, but Halep vehemently denied any wrongdoing. She took her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which later reduced her suspension to nine months, stating that on the balance of probabilities, she had not intentionally consumed the drug. Patrick Mouratoglou, her former coach, took responsibility, admitting that a collagen supplement introduced to her nutrition plan was contaminated. Halep, however, remained outspoken, calling the saga the hardest match of her life.

Despite being cleared to return to the tour in 2024, Halep found the road back to the top too steep. Knee and shoulder injuries continued to plague her, forcing her to withdraw from Australian Open qualifying and eventually leading to her retirement announcement at the Transylvania Open in her home country of Romania.

A Complicated Farewell

As Halep waved goodbye to the sport, her farewell was tinged with both pride and regret. Reflecting on her career, she admitted, I don’t know if it’s with joy or sadness, I think both feelings are trying me. While she achieved her dreams of winning Grand Slams and reaching world No. 1, the final years of her career were clouded by controversy and disappointment.

Nonetheless, Halep remains one of Romania’s greatest sporting icons, following in the footsteps of Ilie Năstase. Her 24 WTA titles and 64 weeks at world No. 1 are a testament to her exceptional talent and work ethic. However, in an era where doping scandals have rocked tennis, with even stars like Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek facing positive tests, Halep’s ordeal remains a blemish on both her legacy and the sport itself.

Her journey, from a young girl training in Constanța to winning Wimbledon and then fighting to clear her name, was nothing short of dramatic. While her place among tennis greats is secure, her story will always be one of what could have been.