“I don’t really miss tennis. I feel really at peace, maybe because I know that my knee and my mind don’t allow me to be on the court. I gave everything I had and I feel at peace now. I love playing with my children at tennis. I always thought about what it would be like to play without having the goal of improving.
Who cares if I miss a forehand anymore? I think it was quite easy to dive into life after tennis. I actually don’t have enough time in the day. I love being surrounded by people and friends, and I’m very sociable. I think it helped that I didn’t have to sit alone in a room.”
In an exclusive interview with GQ Sports, Roger Federer was asked the question of all questions: “Do you miss tennis?”
The Swiss legend’s response could somehow help all the players who feel the day of retirement is getting closer and closer.
Simply iconic.@rogerfederer for @GQMagazine 🤝 @GQSports 🎾
📸: Lachlan Bailey pic.twitter.com/3dDVpIbvol
— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 15, 2024
Roger Federer: “I’m a father, a husband and a son”
Precisely thinking of the moment in which he would have to say goodbye to the sport that made him one of the most loved athletes, Federer has always had the support of the wonderful family created with Mirka.
“Tennis was my identity, but I didn’t just do that every day. I’m a father, a husband and a son. Playing tennis was my hobby and then it turned into my job. But I always tried not to identify myself only as a tennis player. I think this mentality has been a strong point of mine throughout my career. I knew that one day I would have to live without playing tennis,” he explained.
“I feel like minutes matter more now than before. I don’t know if it’s also an age thing, you feel like time is slipping away from you and you still have a lot to accomplish,” he added.
“Tennis was my identity, but it was not what I was doing all day every day… for the most part, I’m being more of a dad and a husband and a son.” @rogerfederer
🔗: https://t.co/JRpRh6BHJk pic.twitter.com/hv3bibuGz6
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) March 14, 2024