Roger Federer: Tears in TV interview
Roger Federer reminisced in Melbourne. When it came to his late ex-coach Peter Carter, the Swiss boy burst into tears.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jan 07, 2019, 04:30 pm
Roger Federer is known as an emotional guy who likes to let his emotions run wild at award ceremonies. Be it after defeats, such as in the Australian Open final in 2009 against Rafael Nadal, or after victories, such as in the 20th major win last year against Marin Cilic, both times before the eyes of his idol Rod Laver.
However, one topic that shaped Federer early on does not leave him unaffected: the death of his former coach Peter Carter, former Australian professional, who took over Federer in his club in Basel in his youth. Carter died in 2002 in South Africa on his honeymoon in a car accident. Federer had already split up with Carter by then.
Great technology thanks to Peter Carter
In an interview with CNN, Federer now talked about his time with Carter, who trained him when his buddy Darren Cahill with Lleyton Hewitt also had great talent under his wing. "You called yourself: 'I have this special child here in training!' And Darren said the same thing from Adelaide, "Federer recalled. "Who would have thought back then that we would be Wimbledon champions and number 1 in the world?"
Carter was very important in his life, "because if I can thank someone for my technique, it's Peter," continued Federer.
However, Carter did not live to see Federer's great successes: until 2002 Federer was considered a great talent that had not yet prevailed and was too quick on the court.
Federer: "I hope he would have been proud"
What Carter would have thought if he had noticed Federer's first Grand Slam victory at Wimbledon in 2003, a year after the fatal accident, and Federer could now experience 20 Grand Slams, the Swiss was asked further - and burst into tears. "I hope he would have been proud. I think he didn't want me to be a wasted talent," said Federer when he spoke again. "It was kind of a wake-up call for me when he passed away and I really started to train hard."
Federer added that he was incredibly lucky to have the right people around him at the right time - including the right coaches.
Federer still maintains a good relationship with Carter's parents Bob and Diana, whom he invites to Melbourne every year and who follow his games in the Players Box. Together with Federer's parents Lynette and Robert, with whom the two are also friendly.