Fans fear that Roger Federer could have played his last Australian Open

For 5 years when Roger Federer was bereft of a Grand Slam title, Federer fans would often wait for Federer’s post match press conference wait bated breath, in order to listen to those magical words, “I’ll be back next year”.

The phrase had become a regular feature in all of Federer’s press conferences. It was his way of assuring himself and his fans that he wasn’t going away, anywhere, any time soon.

Then came the 2017 Australian Open final, and this time the ‘I’ll be back next year’ was louder and happier, if you may.

But fans noticed something weird about Federer’s on-court trophy presentation today, wherein everything Federer said was spot on, except the part where he should have told the crowd to watch out for him next year as well.

A lot of Federer fans started speculating on social media that maybe Federer was going to retire at the end of the year.

Is Roger Federer going to retire? No mention of his customary “see you next year” and strangely emotional about winning considering how calm he was last year after beating his worst nightmare. Think 2018 could be the last year in a legendary career for @rogerfederer #AusOpen

— Nawaz (@NawazITPS) January 28, 2018

Roger Federer, is he going to retire this year?
He didn’t say he’ll be back this year.#GOAT #AusOpen #20GrandSlams @BBCSport #bbcTennis

— Mazhar (@Mazhar_7_) January 28, 2018

Roger Federer could be retiring soon.. He didn’t say “see you next year” 🤔😳

Oh no. #Federer #AusOpen

— Sonia (@skrising6) January 28, 2018

Well with that tears I think Roger just indirectly annouced he is retiring at the end of this year😦😦😦😦 @Natash20 #Federer #AusOpen2018

— Will.I.am (@weza1001) January 28, 2018

*sees people talking about Federer retiring*
*logs off Twitter*
*cries*
*runs away*
*lives in denial* pic.twitter.com/6V2Mf1zmC5

— Kristina Borojevic (@kikiborojevic) January 28, 2018