Thursday December 7, 2023

Fans Went On A Spending Spree In Honor of Roger Federer’s Retirement

  • Federer’s retirement announcement caused a major spike in interest for collectibles and apparel on eBay.
  • Perhaps most impressive: Federer collectible sales increased 1,050% in one day.
Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
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On Thursday, tennis star Roger Federer announced he will retire following the 2022 Laver Cup. 

The news caused more than just an outpouring of love for the 20-time major-winner — fans opened their pocketbooks, too. 

eBay saw a major spike in interest for both collectibles and apparel, according to data obtained by Front Office Sports.

Perhaps most impressive: Federer collectible sales increased 1,050% in the day after the retirement announcement, according to eBay. Sales for Federer’s namesake On shoes, The Federer Advantage, went up 350% in the same time period.

General searches related to his merchandise also increased, led by rookie card searches — which went up a staggering 3,900%. Searches for another model of On shoes, The Roger Centre Court, grew 1,100%.

Federer, of course, hardly needs the extra cash headed his way. 

Including both on- and off-court, Federer earned more than any other tennis player this year ($90.7 million), per Forbes

He’s garnered $130.6 million in prize money throughout his illustrious career — third all time. And On, the swiss company he backs, is headed for $1 billion in revenue this year.

FOS reporter Doug Greenberg contributed to this story.

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