“A Little Scared”
Because Federer still has to do without skiing and football
At a sponsorship event in Japan, Roger Federer talks about his health and what he’s currently working on. He also reveals why he feels so much lighter now.
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Roger Federer is clearly in high spirits at the sponsorship event in Tokyo.
Whizzing down the snow-covered slopes with his children or spending time together on the football field: Roger Federer was looking forward to it after his retirement. During his active time he had to do without it. But even now he has to wait.
“I’m still a little scared when it comes to other sports. My knees are so-so. So it has to wait,” Federer said at a sponsor event in Tokyo. The 20-time Grand Slam champion spends his time at plan vacations, among other things. After hanging up the racket, they can have more action. “In the past, vacations always had to be relaxing because my touring life was very stressful. Now vacations can be more adventurous.”
“Don’t see me work as a coach”
Federer also has a concrete idea of where he would like to go with his children: to Africa. Beyond that, he doesn’t reveal anything concrete about his plans for him. He rules out the possibility of him becoming a coach soon: “With my four kids going to school and everything going on, I don’t see myself working as a coach.” However, he leaves a back door open: “But if a young Swiss player comes in and needs support or advice, I’m happy to do it.”
All in all, Federer is a happy tennis retiree. During the chat on the pitch, the 41-year-old played with his Rolex on his wrist. When asked by Kei Nishikori (32), he replied, “It’s a post-retirement look.”
Next training, next away, next game
With the resignation, much more has been lost than he initially realized. «When you are a tennis player you always think about your next training session, your next away game, your next match. Those thoughts are always with you.” He didn’t realize how much space these thoughts would take up.
Federer: “The moment you stop, you realize how much stress is gone.” For example, he takes the constant doping controls, for which one had to be available for an hour a day. “And when it’s all over, you suddenly feel so much lighter, like you’re relieved that after 25 years you can finally lead a normal life again.” (smiles)
