Roger Federer left his mark on the tennis world for his great class on and off the court, but now that his career is over, the Swiss is no longer looking back.
The 42-year-old played his last match in September 2022 with his great rival and friend Rafael Nadal, in front of a packed house at the O2 Arena in London. This emotional last lap brought tears to the two tennis players.
• Read also: WATCH: Bee invasion interrupts match between Zverev and Alcaraz
• Read also: Indian Wells: the final four at TVA Sports 2
“It was super emotional. Something that was always a part of you is gone, and for good, and you can’t get it back, no matter how much you want to. The page is turned,” he said during a long interview with “GQ” magazine on Thursday.
The one-handed backhand expert’s career was winding down, but a recurring knee injury helped him make an informed decision. It was with relief that Federer stopped.
“The last few years have been difficult with my knee. You could feel the end approaching. So when it’s all over and you’ve passed this milestone and you’re officially retired, you take a deep breath and you’re like, ‘Wow, okay, that feels good,'” he said, admitting nevertheless that the moments before London had made him suffer morally.
In peace
It was for more than half of his life – 24 years – that Federer played in the ATP. He has one of the most extensive records in history with 103 singles titles, including 20 Grand Slams.
“I’ve been asked about retirement since 2009 when I won the French Open and tied the record for [Pete] Sampras [de 14 Grands Chelems]. People were saying, ‘What more is there to accomplish?'” he said.
Today, Federer plays tennis recreationally with his children. He also has other hobbies, like his clothing and sunglasses line, as well as the documentary about his journey in the works.
In short, he doesn’t have time to get bored of the little yellow ball.
“I get asked this question a lot and I don’t miss it,” he admitted frankly. Truly not. I am at peace. I think it’s because my knee, my body and my mind no longer allow me to be there. […] I think I squeezed all the juice out of the lemon. I gave everything I had.”
In collaboration with our partners
2024-03-15 18:48:12
#Roger #Federer #relieved #chosen #retire #TVA #Sports
