Tennis legends Roger Federer and Serena Williams haven’t played since Wimbledon last year. Still, they are both eager to extend their careers, despite turning 41 in the coming months.
Roger spoke of their longevity after Wimbledon last year, saying they had found a way to stay happy and motivated on the court. Federer was still ranked in the top 10 in August last year, mainly thanks to his 2019 results and two strong major runs in 2020 and 2021.
The 20-time Major champion suffered a serious knee injury at the start of 2020, undergoing two surgeries and was sidelined for 13 months.
Roger has only played one tournament in 2020 and returned in March 2021 in Doha, shaping his form and targeting Wimbledon as his main focus. Playing four events before his 22nd Wimbledon, Federer scored five triumphs and gave his all at the All England Club to become the oldest Wimbledon quarter-finalist in the Open era.
Roger beat Mannarino, Gasquet, Norrie and Sonego to book a place in the last eight before suffering a heavy loss to Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets. Speaking about his longevity ahead of Wimbledon, Federer recalled his conversation with Pete Sampras a decade ago when the American wondered when Roger would retire, even though he was 30.
Roger didn’t retire at 33 or 34, but he extended his career after that nasty knee injury in 2016 and became world number one in 2018 at 36.
The Swiss had another memorable run in 2019 before another knee injury that cut him off at six tournaments over the last three seasons.
Roger Federer et Serena Williams:
Roger Federer and Serena Williams haven’t played for a year.
“You would think that Serena and I have found ways to stay happy, motivated and entertained, without letting the negatives dominate our daily struggles. Now, with family and all that, I think that’s key.
When you have family, it’s much easier to get away from it all. Everyone goes through ups and downs. Maybe it’s probably easier to stay happier and more motivated when you’re in this position.
At the same time, only the best is good enough for us. I don’t think my goal was to play until I was 40 or older. Maybe it was more like 35, which was already a high number.
Borg retired early, while Agassi played a bit longer. Additionally, Edberg, Becker and Pistol Pete were all retiring early. I remembered a conversation with Pistol Pete ten years ago.
He wondered how much I still had in the tank. It was when I was 30. He thought I was nearing the end just because it was okay to end a career at 33 after all the sacrifices you have to go through, which makes it hard to keep pushing for more years.
I think I made the most of it; I enjoyed my travels and had fun with Mirka, her family and the team. The goal was not to play before 40; everything came mainly in previous years.
I never thought I would go again after these surgeries in 2020. I feel like I still love sports and have fun. I’ll see the results if they come back,” said Roger Federer.
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