Roger Federer‘s recently released documentary made fans miss his presence even more. His rivalry against Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal made the sport more intense and worthy of attention. Fans still wonder why he decided to go off while the other two of the big three still survive in the scene. As the documentary solved several mysteries, this one was covered as well.
“Federer: Twelve Final Days” came out as a complete package of revelations from the former pro. While one could just imagine what it feels like standing next to the stage to end it all, the legend himself stepped forward to give it out. Amid the discussions of his exit, the Swiss tennis maestro also had things to say about the other two of the big threes.
Federer expressed, “I was really sitting there and taking it all in, just, you know, feel the end coming closer and realizing the curtains about to close on me.” Despite this emotional realization, the former pro tried to lighten the serious atmosphere by whispering, “I’m about to shit my pants,” while standing in the queue alongside Nole, Rafa, Rod Laver, and others.
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Bits from Roger Federer- Final Twelve Days 😢😭😭😅😂
And the "Rafa Angle" had me 🙂🙃🫠💝🫶#Federer #Nadal #Fedal #TwelveFinalDays pic.twitter.com/e6jKjq7ZBh
— fedaltennis⁴² (@TennisFedal) June 20, 2024
Speaking as the narrator in his documentary, Federer explained, “I guess what I wanted to say at the press conference was I’m just so happy I can go first because I am five or six years older than the guys (Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic). And so for me to go out first felt correct and right and they should now have a career without me because I had a career without them as well.”
It was nearly two years back that every important tennis entity gathered at the Rod Laver Arena to see off Roger Federer. He started hitting the courts as a pro back in 1998, whereas Novak Djokovic joined him later on in 2003. While there already existed a gap in which the Swiss tennis maestro dominated without his rivals, he thinks going off before them is justified.
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Federer’s decision to retire before Djokovic and Nadal came out of his respect for their careers and his sense of timing in leaving the sport. His words highlight a consideration of his legacy and passing on the opportunity to someone from the younger generation. Now that he has kept himself out for a while, the former still has concerns about his rival’s position in the scene.
Roger Federer expresses concerns about the current tennis scene
It has been more than two weeks since Novak Djokovic had to call off his participation at Roland Garros. During the fourth-round showdown against Francisco Cerundolo, the Serb incurred an injury. Although he somehow managed to emerge victorious in the match, the world later found out that it was nothing regular but a meniscus tear.
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Rafael Nadal, on the other hand, decided to not be a part of Wimbledon’s roster this year because of his commitment to the Paris Olympics. Witnessing this chaos for a long time, Roger Federer recently came forward to express concerns. “It’s crazy! A few months ago we would have talked about things completely differently. Now all three of the remaining “Big Four” are suddenly fighting. Andy Murray has been fighting for a long time, Rafa too, and now Novak too,” he said, in a recent interview.
Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon participation currently stands in a situation of doubt. While it could be something that hinders his performance, Federer’s concerns seemed to be legit.