It wasn’t just another player’s career, it was an era that redefined tennis. For over two decades, Roger Federer dominated the sport, mesmerizing fans with his grace, skill, and unyielding determination. He didn’t just play tennis; he elevated it to an art form. But in a recent interview, the Swiss Maestro opened up about his current life and how he feels about the game two years after his retirement.
It was September 23rd, 2022. Not a single eye at the stadium in London was dry as the legend of the sport, Roger Federer bid adieu to tennis at the Laver Cup. Federer, who had announced his retirement following several injuries and surgeries, was visibly moved as the crowd bid him a tearful goodbye. However, everything now feels distant for the 20-time Grand Slam winner, including his beautiful track record.
Roger Federer appeared in the BBC Breakfast interview as he delved into a multitude of aspects including his career and retirement. The legend, a documentary on whom hit the screens on June 20th, talked about how he feels now after retiring from the sport permanently. He expressed that he feels very distant from the game already.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lauding the players who played at Roland Garros, Federer recalled playing similarly. “I was watching [Roland Garros] last week and I was like: ‘Wow, they’re so good – I used to do that too!’ I feel so distant to my career.” He further highlighted that he has started to forget the accolades he has achieved in the game, and called it a beautiful story of the past.
“I start to forget the things I’ve done, the records. It’s more of a beautiful past on the road.” Roger Federer’s career spanned 24 years. He was also the World No.1 for a record 237 consecutive weeks and 310 weeks in total. And while stats may vary for the top names, the legacy of the Swiss maestro is irreplaceable.
FEDERER: "Now I look back on when the players play [at Roland Garros] … I'm like 'wow, they're so good. I used to do that too'. I feel so distance already towards my career." #BBCBreakfast pic.twitter.com/Bb5Il0vQf5
— Blank Fan Account (@ladybellatennis) June 14, 2024
Federer also admitted that while he spent great time on the court, he also cherished his life away from it. “It’s been a great life and now having this distance is a great place to be in.” This, however, isn’t the first time when Roger Federer expressed being relieved after retirement.
In an interview with CQ Hype earlier this year, he expressed being happy. “I’m really relieved if that makes any sense. I don’t miss it. I really don’t. I feel really at peace.” Meanwhile, the legend is currently witnessing an abuzz in his life with the release of the documentary.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
‘I’m not crying through 1.5 hours,‘ Roger Federer lauds documentary’s content
‘Federer: Twelve Final Days,’ will stream on Prime on June 20th and the tennis community is euphoric about it. The film, however, is not just about the playing days of the legend. It is also about his life with his family, his life off the court, and the bond that he shares with his wife, Mirka.
For the unversed, the documentary was initially planned to be released only for the near and dear ones of Federer. However, the outcome of it compelled the makers to release it for fans all across the globe. Roger Federer too, shared his content after the premiere of the movie and took a humorous stance.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Speaking after the premiere, he said, “It’s not like I’m crying through 1.5 hours of the film, you know. It’s a tough watch, but a good one.” He further added the highlights of the film and said it is much more than just his on-court endeavors. “You see the struggles that we go through and also how vulnerable we are in many ways. How much the fans and the spotlight means to me.”
Meanwhile, the world might witness the tennis legend returning to his favorite Grass-court once again at Wimbledon, although just as a spectator. It will be interesting to see if he returns and shares more advice for players ahead of the Grand Slam.