“I Need to Be More Serious”: Roger Federer Opens up About His Feelings After Turning 40

Non-stop tennis action continues to flow from the gates of Canada as the National Bank Open kicks off in style. Taking to the courts of Toronto and Montreal are some of the best in business. Regardless, die heart fans can’t help but reminisce about the absence of some legends, notably, Swiss giant, Roger Federer. However, in recent news, the former World No. 1 had a positive update to for his fans.

On August 8, the GOAT turned 40 and is still going strong. Despite being away from the sport, he continues to make headlines, courtesy of his stardom.

However, fans were extremely disappointed when he withdrew from the Canadian tournament a short while before his appearance. Citing injury concerns, he also withdrew from the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati.

Naturally, fans wondered about his appearance at the upcoming US Open as well. Not confirming anything though, but opening up about his feelings on turning 40, Roger had something to say.

“Totally in tune with myself” – Roger Federer

Having spent more than a decade on the court, Federer has won just about everything. However, his decorative career might not show in his recent form, but it stays fresh in the minds of both his fans and his rivals. Sadly though, graced with Grand Slams once, his career now hangs in the balance, as speculations of retirement rise.

Regardless, against popular belief, Roger feels he still has it and has much more to accomplish yet. Opening up on his 40th birthday, he said, “I just turned 40 and am still active. Who would have believed it? Surely not me. I’m totally in tune with myself and I’m sure there is still a lot of great things to come.”

However, his humane side was also on display, as he opened up on adversities of turning a year older. He said, “Suddenly, you’re 40 and you’re thinking, “Hey, no, incredible!” I suddenly feel very far away from my 20s. At that time I was still a child’s head. Now at 40, I feel like I need to be more serious.

“In the past, you looked at 40-year-olds and they were mega old. Now, suddenly, I’m one of them.”

Fans appreciated the Swiss national’s optimistic approach despite a rather injury-prone season. Riddled by the unfortunate, his campaign this year has been subject to surprise defeats and unprecedented withdrawals. Although, a glimpse of vintage Roger was put on display as he returned to Grand Slam tennis at the 2021 Wimbledon Championship.

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Disappointing season

Roger’s go-getter attitude is certainly encouraging, but it will take a lot more for fans to be convinced of a comeback, given the events of his season so far. Despite playing in his natural habitat, Roger was bageled for the first time in his Wimbledon career, at the hands of Hubert Hurkacz this year.

Even as he moved on from that astonishing defeat, injury saw him rest out the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Heartbroken, fans gathered themselves and looked forward to seeing the 20-time Grand Slam at both the Toronto and Cincinnati-based tournaments. However, with his withdrawal announced, they had to settle for disappointment yet again.

Those who still believe that the maestro will return in emphatic style, now gear up for the US Open 2021. However, in a more realistic world, is a return for the 40-year-old possible, or is it time to hang his boots, leaving behind an untouchable legacy?

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