When he was at his peak, Roger Federer was always there to support his fellow players on the circuit. During his active years, the Swiss maestro was deeply committed to the welfare of the players on tour, often taking a stand on crucial issues. Recently, the US Open‘s Director of Player Relations, Eric Butorac, highlighted Federer’s pivotal role in championing player rights, underscoring how his influence helped shape a better environment for athletes.

On one of the recent podcast episodes of Served Up with Andy Roddick, Butorac sat down to talk about the upcoming US Open. While talking about the transformation that has happened over the years, he opened up about how, when he joined the tour, it was the same time when Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal entered the tennis scene.

“I felt like more things happened under his watch for player benefit than maybe at any other time. I think it was a combination of him, Andre Silva, who was the chief player officer at the time, and then, frankly, Roger Rafa, Novak leaning in, specifically Roger, who was willing to sit through those nuanced conversations on doubles rankings and give his guidance,” Butorac stated.

Moreover, Federer was more than just a champion on the court; he was a key figure behind the scenes, actively working to improve conditions for his fellow athletes. Whether it was pushing for better scheduling, improved prize money distribution, or ensuring players had a voice in critical decisions, Federer consistently stood up for his peers.

Federer believes in being there for the people. He talked earlier this year about the priceless lessons he had learned in life from playing professional tennis. Along with that, the veteran also underlined that even though tennis is an individual sport, a player’s ability to succeed depends on having a supportive squad.

“Tennis has given me so many memories. But my off-court experiences are the ones I carry forward just as much… The places I’ve gotten to travel, the platform that lets me give back. and most of all the people I’ve met along the way. Tennis, like life, is a team sport,” Federer said.

In his inspirational speech at Dartmouth College, Federer revealed that while he came across as someone who always made it look easy on the court, it was never the case, as he had to work extremely hard to become the player he became.

Roger Federer believes “effortless is a myth”

At 42 years of age, Roger Federer stood before Dartmouth College to receive his honorary doctorate, and during his speech, he addressed the misconception of the word “effortless.” Being honest in his admission that he never really grasped the true meaning of the word, Federer highlighted how hard he had to work to become the athlete he was,

“Effortless is a myth. I mean it,” Federer said, reflecting on how people often described his play as effortless, intending it as a compliment. The Swiss legend added, “He barely broke a sweat! “Or “Is he even trying? The truth is, I had to work very hard… to make it look easy. I spent years whining, swearing, throwing my racket before I learned to keep my cool.” The former World No. 1 confessed that such comments frustrated him, as they overlooked the immense effort behind his seemingly easy style.

Roger Federer was not only a master with his racket but also a key figure in advocating for players’ rights and welfare. His contributions mattered deeply, both on and off the court, leaving a legacy of leadership and integrity that will continue to resonate within the tennis community for years to come.