Roger Federer’s candid admission reflects the inevitable transition many athletes face upon retiring from their sport. Despite retiring at what he considers the right time, Federer acknowledges the challenge of adjusting to life off the tennis court after dedicating the majority of his life to the sport. His final farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup, alongside his rivals like Rafael Nadal, marked the end of an era in tennis. However, Federer’s introspection highlights the common dilemma faced by athletes transitioning into retirement, as they navigate new identities and pursuits outside of their athletic careers.
Federer’s sentiment reflects the emotional weight lifted upon officially retiring from professional tennis, especially after facing challenges like his knee injury in his final years on the tour. The relief he expresses signifies a sense of closure and acceptance as he transitions into the next phase of his life beyond tennis.
Federer’s acknowledgment of the ambiguity that comes with transitioning from a professional athlete to retirement is common among athletes who have dedicated their lives to their sport. Finding a new identity and purpose beyond tennis can indeed be a challenging adjustment.
The decision to create a documentary about his career seems to have come from a desire to preserve memories and milestones for himself, his family, and those close to him. It’s understandable that facing the end of his career prompted Federer to consider capturing these moments, even if he initially hesitated at the idea.
Roger Federer says he cried 6 times watching the documentary about his retirement, ‘There are so many moments where you feel that suffering.. you see the end coming, but it’s beautiful’
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 14, 2024
“It’s super emotional, hard-core to watch. So I watch it with Mirka and Tony [his agent] and… pic.twitter.com/qesGT4y9BU