He had already experienced this in 2016, says Federer, at that time he had an operation on his right knee and after a brief comeback in the summer had declared his season over.

"This year passed just as quickly as one on the tour," said Federer. "What was new for us was that we were finally in one place. We were able to make plans: What do we do this Wednesday, what next?" Although they are together on the tour as a family, the stress has now disappeared, the "Daddy has another match" or "Don't be too loud in the morning because Daddy didn't go to bed until three in the morning after a match." Federer: "It was nice to live normally as a family for once."

He himself often played the chauffeur for his kids during that time. "And I enjoyed being a good host when the rules allowed visitors. In the past, everyone was happy when our friends just dropped by. Now I've taken care of everything: nice light, a nice atmosphere, the right wine. I had a lot more time to celebrate. "

Federer-Kids: "You are not my coach!"

There has also been progress in matters of tennis, at least with his kids. It takes time here to get really involved, but now everyone is on point to play a longer rally. He is now also welcome, but in the past it was often said: "You are not my coach! Dad doesn't have to interfere in the game." He said: "Okay, no problem, do it as you think is right. At some point you might come to me or Mommy."

However, the time in Switzerland is currently a thing of the past, Federer and his family are already in Dubai, where the 20-time major champ is regularly preparing for the coming season. To train indoors in the Swiss cold "is not exactly the best," says Federer. Despite his more cautious forecast for 2021, he still speculates on being able to start in Melbourne. "I really have to fully test my knee on the tennis court," he said. "With the hope that maybe I'll have enough at the Australian Open."

Click here for the entire interview with Schweizer Illustrierte