Roger Federer, the 43-year-old tennis legend, discussed his post-retirement involvement in the sport on Wednesday. He revealed that staying connected to tennis has helped him avoid feeling “like an alien.” His remarks came as he prepared for this week’s Laver Cup tournament in Berlin.
Federer played a pivotal role in establishing the Laver Cup. He retired from professional tennis at this same event in London two years ago. Since then, he has remained closely involved with the competition, continuing to serve as an ambassador.
“I’m happy I went back right away to some tournaments,” the 43-year-old told reporters.
“I feel I ripped the bandaid off quite quickly and when I walk around the tennis sites I still feel I belong there.
“I don’t feel like an alien, which is a good thing because you can feel like that very quickly.
“People (and) players ask you ‘what are you doing here?’ and you’re like ‘exactly – if you keep talking like this, I will never come back’.”
He continued, “I’m happy I’m still able to feel comfortable in a setting like this because it would be so much easier just to stay home, get comfortable at home and realise you don’t need to be on tour anymore.”
The 20-time Grand Slam champion, Roger Federer, expressed his admiration for rising stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. According to him, he looked forward to next year’s Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were absent from this year’s Laver Cup. But Federer remained optimistic about their future prospects.
“With Rafa we don’t know – it remains to be seen. It’s hard for me to make a prediction on Rafa because of the little tennis he has played this year.
“Novak, winning the Olympics and playing somewhat let’s say a full season – he didn’t bow out because of injuries, he chose to play less which is normal when you get a bit older. I feel like he has chances moving forward.
“I look forward to Australia which is the next Slam; I think he’s definitely going to be one of the favourites along with Sinner and Alvarez; I think the Australian Open story will be a very cool one to follow.”
Nadal withdrew from the Laver Cup due to an injury. However, his fellow Spaniard Alcaraz will participate as a member of Team Europe, competing against Team World. German player Alexander Zverev will also represent Team Europe.
Federer commented on Zverev’s Grand Slam prospects, stating that he was “so close” to securing his first major title. The tennis legend advised that Zverev needs to adopt a more aggressive approach during critical moments in matches.
“I see someone who’s playing much too passively, much too defensively when it matters the most,” he said.
“I think (Zverev) has to remind himself to try to not be too passive and then I think honestly something really great can happen for him.”
Team Europe claimed victory in the first four Laver Cup events, beginning in 2017. However, Team World has emerged triumphant in the last two competitions.
Check out more sports updates here.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login