Anyone who knows him today can hardly imagine: But the level-headed Roger Federer was not always like that. The young Federer was notorious for his outbursts of anger and racket abuse on the tennis court, even at the beginning of his professional career. His family and friends would always have said, "Don't be so stupid." And: "There are also others who can play well."

Which initially brought little. When Federer embarked on his professional career, it was clear to him that he had to change his basic negative attitude. "This constant wailing, this lamenting, that had to stop. You won’t win any games and definitely not a tournament! It was clear to me that I had to make a change. An inner change," said Federer in the new Swiss magazine Interview by Ringier .

Blick has published excerpts from this.

Federer's help came from a coach at the time. “How can I just ignore a bad point?” People have asked - and wondered how babies do it. Sure thing: with a cozy blanket or a cuddly bear. "My coach said I needed something like that. Something that helps me to withdraw into my world for a brief moment." The simple solution: grab a towel. "From now on it was said: You can get excited for three seconds. Then you run to the Tüechli. That is the moment for you." Simple but effective. "It has become a ritual for me. Point lost, first reflex towel," confessed Federer. But now he also needs this to dry off sweat.

Roger Federer: "Am I crazy?"

Federer also gave a glimpse into his early relationship with wife Mirka. She was a professional player herself and number 76 in the world , but had to end her career early due to a foot injury. At the time, he advised her to stop - "Why the stress?", Said Federer. "As if it were the easiest decision in the world. Today I think: Am I crazy? I still play tournaments at 40 and I find it difficult to quit."

How would Federer's career have gone without Mirka in the background? One does not know. Because she is considered to be one of the pullers, Federer's great support. Even if Federer unpacked a nice anecdote: Mirka might not be happy if he told this now, but it has already happened that she called him during a match. "She had completely forgotten that I was playing," said Federer with a laugh. But that's what he likes about Mirka's charm. "If she's in tennis, then she's in. And when she's out, she can get away from it very well."

When will Federer be back in tennis? Seems currently open. After his third operation on his right knee, the 41-year-old wants to take it slowly. A start at the Australian Open is rather unlikely, even if you still have a few remaining hopes in Melbourne.

The Interview by Ringier magazine has been available in Swiss stores since November 12; you can find some passages at a glance here.