“Roger Federer is retiring.” When this statement echoed through the tennis community, it didn’t just sadden fans worldwide. It resonated deeply with every inch of the grass courts where the Swiss Maestro achieved so much of his legendary success. The official announcement in September 2022 marked the end of an era, but for Federer, the thought of retirement had been a haunting presence as early as 2021.

The release of FEDERER: Twelve Final Days, has highlighted several hidden aspects of the career of the Swiss player. Speaking in the documentary, Roger Federer revealed how the 2021 Wimbledon started to trouble him and gave him thoughts of putting away his racquet for good. The 43-year-old revealed the problem he was facing in his knee, which continued to elevate after the long duration of matches that he played. However, he explained that the sufferings of his wife Mirka Federer, and his parents, Robert and Lynette, compelled him to think about stepping away from tennis.

Chatting about the Wimbledon 2021 difficulties, the 20-time Grand Slam champion revealed the sufferings of his wife and parents. “It’s only afterward where I started to realise how much Mirka has been suffering.” Federer shared that while no one asked him to stop playing directly, he was questioned indirectly for continuing. “I don’t remember her begging me to stop but of course, she was asking the question – Why are you still doing this? 

Speaking further, the Swiss legend said that it was not easy for Mirka to attend his matches anymore. “I know that for her sitting there, she really didn’t like that anymore because she could feel I was not gonna be the best anymore.” He further explained similar difficulties for his parents. “I know my parents also didn’t like to see their son going through Wimbledon last year.” Roger Federer suffered a great deal due to his knee injury in 2021.

Roger Federer underwent his third surgery on his right knee in 2021. After losing to Hubert Hurkacz in the Quarterfinals, he revealed that he would undergo surgery to be physically fit ahead in his life. However, many had predicted that Federer’s return to the sport would be very difficult after the operation. While the Swiss hit the courts again, it did not last long before he retired in September 2022. Meanwhile, Roger cannot help but praise Mirka for everything that she did.

‘I know it’s been hard,’ Roger Federer on wife Mirka’s appearance in the film

Mirka Federer’s appearance in the film is nothing short of an accident. The documentary was initially planned only for people close to the Federer family, which meant the usually spotlight shy Mirka’s participation. However, soon after the documentary was made, the makers as well as the Federers decided it to be too good to limit the audience. Federer too, lauded his wife for the gesture.

Speaking to TODAY, the Swiss Maestro revealed how he felt watching the emotional documentary with his wife. However, he expressed how happy he was to see Mirka in the film. “But also then a lot of happiness and relief seeing my wife. She hasn’t spoken to the media I think in, like, 18 years. So for her to be so vulnerable in front of the camera. And I know it’s been hard for her.”

Meanwhile, the documentary has continued to receive widespread praise for the emotional aspect it has captured. The makers have surely made an effort to make the weekend of the tennis fans, nostalgic.