As he approaches the end of a stellar career, Roger Federer stands at an intriguing crossroads. The Swiss tennis legend is on the cusp of a momentous turning point, with his 40th birthday looming imminently and yet another Wimbledon title within reach.
Recalling his storied journey at the All England Club since his first visit in 1999, Federer has witnessed both dramatic highs and heart-wrenching lows. From the legendary 1980 final between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, which was long considered the greatest Wimbledon championship match, to the epic 2008 final where Rafael Nadal narrowly edged out Federer in a grueling contest, it’s a history marked by relentless passion and perseverance.
Today, Federer’s life off the court radiates a newfound contentment. In a revealing interview with PEOPLE magazine, he shared, I’m really, really happy. Retirement has been really good
. He confessed that stepping away from the sport was unexpectedly liberating: I hadn’t felt great for years at the end, so it was a huge relief
.
Renowned for his meticulous approach and graceful demeanor throughout his 24-year career, Federer sheds light on the less glamorous aspects of professional tennis: A lot of what you don’t see about being pro might not seem like work but is actually a lot of work. There’s of course the constant media, but also the drug testing
, he explained.
Exploring New Interests While Staying Connected
Despite retirement, Federer’s schedule remains packed with responsibilities revolving around his brand partnerships with notable entities like Uniqluo, Rolex, and On athletic shoes. Moreover, he continues to contribute to various charities and manages his duties as a devoted father to four children.
The upcoming Prime Video documentary, ‘Federer: Twelve Final Days’, offers an intimate peek into Federer’s personal world leading up to his final tournament at the 2022 Laver Cup. Initially intended as home videos for personal use, these unguarded moments showcase jitters, family support, and certainty about moving forward. As Federer himself puts it: I wanted that to be for us
.
The tennis maestro ensures fans that he’s not bidding farewell to the sport completely: I love it too much
. Eagerly anticipated by fans, Wimbledon is likely where we will see him next.
A Lifetime Friendships Holding Strong
The connections forged with peers like Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic remain robust. Sharing about his recent visit to Nadal’s home, Federer remarked how well he’s doing as a new dad.
No longer defined solely by tennis rackets and courts, Federer’s spirit of continuous learning shines through as he delves into golf alongside his wife Mirka and their children. Acknowledging the challenging nature of the sport with a laugh: It’s a tough sport!
.
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