Roger Federer - "I miss everything on the tour"
Roger Federer is in Japan these days. And this Saturday at a press conference by his outfitter Uniqlo gave information about his plans and sensitivities.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Nov 19, 2022, 10:32 am
Philipp Kohlschreiber, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and some other deserving veterans were publicly bid farewell on Friday evening at the ATP Finals, but the most prominent new pensioner was missing in Turin as expected: Roger Federer. He is currently in Tokyo, due to his outfitter's obligations. And not alone: Because next to Federer, wheelchair legends Shingo Kunieda and Kei Nishikori sat on the stage of the press conference.
The three tennis aces had previously practiced with up-and-coming Japanese tennis players on Uniqlo's LifeWear Day. After a short introductory round, the media audience then turned into a solo show for the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Every single question asked from the auditorium or online was aimed at the now 41-year-old Maestro. And of course, it wasn't just about his collaboration with Uniqlo. But also.
#IMG2#
Federer feels committed to the Swiss association
"Shoot for the stars and land on the moon", for example, that was the message Federer had ready for the next generation. That you shouldn't make the same mistake twice. And that you shouldn't miss the train, because the speed past at high speed.
Federer explained when asked that he had no plans for his own academy and would rather support many that already exist. There is a very close relationship with the Swiss Tennis Association, to which he still feels committed. Roger Federer does not see himself as a coach in the near future. On the other hand, never say never. Stefan Edberg could not have imagined a coaching job until Federer invited him to a trial session.
And: If a Swiss junior came around the corner and asked him for advice, he would certainly be available as a mentor. What could this look like? You have to accept that you also have bad days. Defeats are important. Most importantly, you have to want it yourself.
Legendary opponents like Andre Agassi
Federer's official farewell to tennis was only a few weeks ago. What has changed since then? He no longer feels any pressure, he no longer constantly thinks about the next match, the next trip. As an active player, you worry less about it. But when that's gone, you feel more free.
On the other hand: He misses everything about the tour! If he could turn back time ten or fifteen years, he would want to do it all over again. Although he has had problems with his knees in recent years, he has generally been spared injuries for most of his career. He is very happy that he has played against such great players in his career. 13 games came together against Andre Agassi alone. He understands when a professional stops after a relatively few years, Federer explained. But he appreciates it when players stay active on tour longer.
However, the 24 years that Roger Federer spent almost all of his time on the top floor of the ATP charts are a bar that most tennis professionals would tear down.