“The life I’m living now is really intense and beautiful,” Roger Federer said during a question-and-answer session following the Laver Cup Day 1 session at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena.
“It’s great to be back at the Laver Cup a year later and if I look back on the memories, I thought the farewell was beautiful, perfect, emotional, there was a proper suffering throughout my conversation with you.” said the Swiss, in front of his fans, according to the official website of the Laver Cup.
“I was always dreading that moment for years… I was just worried that my ending would somehow not be pleasant and it was the opposite, it was great. “I felt very good and very happy… something I was very lucky to experience.”
Does Federer, loved around the world, miss being on tour? “Of course I do,” smiled the Swiss legend. “I miss everything about the game, the exciting moments we had on the court, the break points saved, winning match points, holding trophies, passing by fans, taking selfies,” he said, acknowledging that he had tried the latter during his visit to Wimbledon and Halle in recent months.
But in his own words, there are “a lot of fun things to do” these days. After attending an Elton John concert, Federer said he sought advice from one of his daughters to decide whether or not she would accept Chris Martin’s invitation to join Coldplay on stage in Zurich. “Of course dad, he only lives once,” he urged.
“It’s been lovely to be home more…spending time with friends and family has been amazing,” Federer said. “I don’t have the weight of another game, of another practice in which the body may not be well.”
While his workout regimen may not be what it was before, Federer said he still hits the gym four to five times a week. “Unfortunately I’m a little bit overweight… I’m on a diet,” Federer laughed.
When asked by European team captain Bjorn Borg if he has ambitions to be his successor, the former number one replied: “That position is locked for you forever.” “And yes, I mean, why not one day ?” he added. “I don’t think about it right away, but I’m absolutely open to the idea… I just want to contribute to the game in any way.”
Federer was momentarily stumped when his old friend and rival Rafael Nadal asked him, via video, who his favorite doubles partner was. “I mean, I thought she was my wife until this guy showed up… Rafa can keep her,” Federer laughed.
As for what you would say to your nine-year-old self? “Have fun when you go to train, have a good time, listen to your parents, listen to your coaches, they are right. Maybe you would have had a better career with a two-handed backhand,” Federer said, before bursting into laughter. “No, I’m kidding, I’m happy with my one-handed backhand,” he added, sharing that his four children play with a two-handed backhand.
Federer’s offspring have kept him quite busy. “Today I am a professional driver, organizer and logistician,” he smiles. “It’s definitely a test on another level.” As for what’s next, beyond work with his foundation and his other projects, Federer promised that tennis will be included in his agenda. “I’ve promised myself that I won’t be a stranger on tour, I’ll try to come back from time to time, not all the time, but from time to time.”
2023-09-23 20:38:42
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