Roger Federer has openly expressed his contentment with retiring before his long-time rivals Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. Federer faced challenges with his right knee in his final years on the ATP Tour, which undoubtedly influenced his decision to retire. The 20-time Grand Slam winner’s last singles appearance came at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, where he exited in the quarterfinals after a loss to Hubert Hurkacz. Despite his retirement, Federer’s legacy in the sport remains immense, and he continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Roger Federer made a brief return to the tour for the 2022 Laver Cup held in London. However, before the tournament commenced, he made the announcement that he would retire from tennis following its conclusion. Federer’s final match saw him team up with his long-time rival Rafael Nadal in a doubles encounter against Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. Despite their efforts, Federer and Nadal were defeated in the match, marking the end of an era for Federer’s illustrious tennis career.
The farewell of former World No. 1 Roger Federer was an emotional moment for tennis fans worldwide. Both Federer and his long-time rival Rafael Nadal were visibly moved during the event, with tears flowing as they bid farewell to their illustrious careers. Federer’s retirement marked a significant moment in tennis history, as he became the first among the ‘Big 3’—comprising Federer, Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—to exit the sport. His departure symbolized the end of an era and left a lasting impact on the tennis community.
In a recent interview, Roger Federer, aged 42, was asked about his feelings regarding not sharing the court with his rivals anymore. The Swiss legend expressed that he has a positive outlook on the situation. He also reminisced about his own words from a press conference at the 2022 Laver Cup, indicating a sense of contentment with his decision to retire from professional tennis and move on to the next chapter of his life.
In a recent interview, Roger Federer, aged 42, reflected on his feelings about no longer sharing the court with his rivals. The Swiss legend expressed that he has a sense of contentment with the situation. He also reminisced about his own words from a press conference at the 2022 Laver Cup, indicating a sense of peace with his decision to retire from professional tennis. This sentiment underscores Federer’s acceptance of the transition into the next phase of his life beyond the sport.
“It feels good. When I retired in London at the press conference next to Andy [Murray], Novak, Rafa, and [Björn] Borg and everybody who was there, I said, ‘It’s fitting for me to be the first to go.'”
Federer told GQ Sports.
Reflecting on his storied career, the 20-time Grand Slam winner, who turned pro in 1998, acknowledged that he spent his initial years on the tour without the presence of rivals such as Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. Roger Federer expressed that now it is their time to lead the way in his absence. He conveyed his best wishes to them for their future endeavors, indicating a sense of passing the torch to the next generation of tennis stars. This graceful sentiment demonstrates Federer’s humility and respect for his fellow competitors as he transitions into retirement.
“I had the time without them on tour when I came on tour and now it’s their time to have a moment on tour without me. So it would’ve felt wrong for me if Murray, who almost retired with his hip, or Rafa with his knees, we didn’t know how long he was going to play. So I’m happy I was the first to go. And actually I wish that they can go on for as long as I did.”
Federer added.
It’s notable that both Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, aged 36, as well as Rafael Nadal, aged 37, are still actively competing on the tennis tour. Despite their age, these tennis legends continue to showcase their remarkable skills and competitiveness, inspiring fans around the world with their enduring passion for the sport.
Roger Federer recently announced San Francisco as the host city for the 2025 Laver Cup.
Roger Federer at the Laver Cup San Francisco Launch for 2025
Roger Federer recently visited San Francisco to announce the city as the host of the 2025 Laver Cup, an exciting development for tennis fans. During his time in San Francisco, Federer also hinted at the possibility of him and Rafael Nadal captaining Team Europe together in the future. This speculation adds an intriguing dimension to the Laver Cup and sparks excitement among fans about the potential collaboration between two tennis legends in a coaching capacity.
“I see myself doing that one day, maybe it evolves that Rafa and I will do it together. I would be super flexible. But that’s not for now. After Borg and McEnroe maybe there would be another generation before my generation would come in.” Federer, one of Laver Cup’s co-creator, said
(via San Francisco Chronicle).
The 2024 Laver Cup is set to be hosted by Berlin, with matches scheduled to take place at the city’s Mercedes-Benz Arena from September 20-22. This prestigious event will bring together top tennis players from around the world to compete in an exciting team format, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the tournament.