Swiss tennis legend, Roger Federer is gearing up to play his final tournament or match at the Laver Cup. During a recent interview, he talked about the timing of his retirement and Serena Williams’ retirement, as both of them have been dominating the sport for almost 20 years.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Notably, Serena recently retired from professional tennis after playing her final match at the US Open. A few days later, Federer also announced his retirement via a message on social media.
Roger Federer discusses Serena Williams and his career paths
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Federer talked about himself and Serena, bringing different things to the sport. Federer said, “Different things for sure, but at the end, we both did it as moms and dads you know. Funny to think of that because both when we were young made it on the tour and never thought we probably gonna end as that in the end.“
"Being a game-changer is the ultimate compliment" 🌟
Roger Federer reflects on his and Serena Williams' retirements from tennis and says it's been a privilege to play across generations 🙌 pic.twitter.com/nuTNNmnCi6
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 21, 2022
“I think we were definitely the bridge, you know, for a very long time from the old generation to the new generation, which I think has been a privilege for me to play across generations like this. Same for her, I mean she brought the power game like no other. So, she has been instrumental with that. And being a game changer is something that I think is the ultimate compliment. I don’t know if I did that in any way but I did it my way.” he further said.
Read More: Roger Federer Says Wife Mirka “Didn’t Really Enjoy Watching Him Play Tennis Anymore”
It is worth noting that Serena Williams made her professional debut in 1995 and Federer made it in 1998. In 2022, they both decided to retire from professional tennis almost at the same age. Throughout their career, they have won countless matches and titles.
Serena has 23 Grand Slam titles; whereas Federer won 20 Grand Slam singles titles. Moreover, many fans call them the GOAT in their respective area.
Federer hints at coming back to tennis but not as a player
In the same interview, Federer talked about returning to tennis as he said, “I hope people enjoyed watching me play for so long. And I will always love to return to tennis in some shape or form. I don’t know in which capacity, but I love my life on the tour and I can’t thank people enough for their support throughout the years.“
Watch This Story: Serena Williams sends love as Roger Federer hangs his tennis racket
Previously, Federer confirmed that this will be his final stint as a professional tennis player as he will not return on the tour. Meanwhile, Serena Williams teased her fans about a possible return in the future like NFL legend Tom Brady did.
“Tom Brady started an amazing trend. That’s what I want to say.”
–@serenawilliams on the future of her tennis career and retirement. #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/BdcvwrwYqr
— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) September 14, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Meanwhile, both Serena and Federer paid a lovely tribute to each other during their retirement. The Swiss player sent a video message to Serena, congratulating her for having an amazing career. As for Serena, she posted a heartfelt message on her social media, calling the Swiss Maestro an inspiration.
Swiss Maestro 🤝 Serena#ThankYouSerena | @WTA pic.twitter.com/BZNJt0JRu0
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 1, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Notably, Federer will play his final match at the Laver Cup, which will start on Friday in London.