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Roger Federer: Will he become a tennis commentator?

Roger Federer plays for the last time as a tennis pro on Friday night (with Rafael Nadal) . But what comes after that?

by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Sep 22, 2022, 04:41 pm

Roger Federer was pretty clear in his announcements about the end of his career.

Yes, sure, of course he would have liked to have made a real comeback, but then he gradually realized: it would no longer be enough for Grand Slam tournaments with the knee, which was not quite fresh despite three operations. Maybe for a few smaller tournaments? And then the insight: That too would probably never come to pass.

So the farewell now, it takes place in doubles at the Laver Cup - with Rafael Nadal, on Friday evening. But what comes after that for the great master?

Federer on his thoughts: "Are you crazy now?"

On the one hand probably one (or more?) show fights. "I really like playing exhibitions, I still have the opportunity to fill the stadiums. My big wish is to play another exhibition. In the next six to nine months, to invite all my former coaches and say thank you and goodbye . That's what I dream of," said Federer in a press round with Swiss journalists in the run-up to the Laver Cup.

And further? "I never thought I'd say that, but a few months ago I said to myself, 'Why not comment?' For example in Wimbledon, the record winner (8 titles) on Church Road. Because he wants to keep in touch with the tournaments and his colleagues. "But to be honest, at first I thought: Are you crazy now that you're thinking about things like that? At the same time, it was always our plan to keep everything open for the time after your career."

Is Federer getting his first tips from Johnny Mac?

Federer as a commentator, it would of course be a big win - and it's not uncommon for an ex-professional to take a seat behind the microphone. Keyword Laver Cup: Even Team World Captain John McEnroe could never have imagined moving to the commentary booth when he was active - and has been there for almost 30 years now...

But of course the family has priority for Federer, who had always promised that after his active career his wife Mirka would be at the forefront of the plans. And Federer also knows: "I have the great luxury of not having to do anything I don't feel like doing."

Incidentally, his kids were initially disappointed when he told them he was resigning. Is it never going to Wimbledon? is the fear... "On the one hand they are sad. On the other hand they have always expressed the wish: When can we finally go skiing?" He now wants to be there for his family as much as possible, says Federer. "That's extremely important to me."