A doubles in the Laver Cup, the comparison Europe against the world he co-invented, will mark the end of his unique career. Roger Federer presented himself to the press in London for the first time after his resignation announcement via social networks. The composed 41-year-old Swiss has been preparing for this moment for a long time. Now he wants a farewell double alongside Rafael Nadal on Friday.
Federer is in captain Björn Borg’s team with Novak Djokovic, Nadal and Andy Murray, among others – the “big four” are united on one court for the first and last time in terms of competition. “We appreciate each other enormously, we know we have progressed in tennis and also as people. Being in a team for the first time will be very special,” said Federer.
“I went through every word umpteen times”
The Basel bidder informed his fans of his resignation last Thursday with a long audio message and a multi-page letter, for which he had taken an extremely long time. Even days later, the homage to one of the most popular athletes has not ended.
“First I wanted to write a letter and post it. Then I realized it’s a huge letter, way too long, maybe people won’t be able to read my handwriting. Why not an audio message? Now I’m very satisfied. Overall I have about I wrote 20 versions, went through every word umpteen times,” said Federer.
How was the feedback? “I was particularly pleased with the reactions to me as a person that have nothing to do with records.”
“I love this sport so much”
Federer had already announced in a small circle of Swiss journalists on Tuesday that he absolutely wanted to stay in the sport. “I think it’s such a shame when former top players retire and you don’t see them anymore,” emphasized the Swiss. “To each his own, but that’s not me. I love this sport so much, I want to continue to be close to it.”
Federer clarified these thoughts at a press conference in London on Wednesday. “I will not be a ghost, I wanted to let the fans know that. Björn Borg has not returned to Wimbledon for 25 years, it hurts,” said Federer, without criticizing the five-time Wimbledon champion for it.
In which function, whether as a coach, commentator or tournament director, the father of four has not yet thought about it.
“We have the greatest respect for one another”
Team Europe captain Björn Borg will hardly deny him this last wish as an active player and will let Federer compete in doubles together with Nadal.
“That’s maybe one of the nice messages that goes beyond sport: as long as we’ve been fighting each other, we have great respect for each other, get along really well and have developed a nice friendship,” Federer said of Rafael Nadal.
Aside from his many records and unforgettable moments, Federer is perhaps most proud of his longevity. “I used to be known for not playing that consistently. And then I became one of the most consistent players ever. I really enjoyed being able to stay at the top for so long.”
For more than 15 years he could say before every tournament that he hoped to win it.
“I don’t need all these records to be happy”
The discussion about the “greatest of all time” in this sport will probably not end even after Federer’s resignation. Federer doesn’t seem to care that he now stops behind Nadal (22) and Djokovic (21) with 20 majors.
“I’m very proud of where I stand.” He himself only thought about the Grand Slam records when he got close to Pete Sampras (14 major titles).
“I won the 15th Slam at Wimbledon when Pete was there. Everything after that was a bonus. I’m happy to have won five more and I’ve also won over 100 titles. But I don’t need all the records, to be happy.”
He will miss many things on the tour, but most of all the audience. “The fans are at the center of everything. Without fans, I wouldn’t have had 80 percent of these feelings.”
Federer has known for a few months that he will end his career. But it was also a decision of when, where and how. “We’re all relieved it’s known. I wish I could have said it sooner.”
The fact that London, where he has won eight Wimbledon titles and two ATP finals, will be the last venue suits him well. “I’m sitting on the bench with Björn and I’m not alone after my announcement either.”
“Tennis is more athletic than ever”
Tennis will continue to have superstars in the future, one of whom is the new number one Carlos Alcaraz. “It’s disappointing that I never got to play him.” Tennis is “more athletic than ever”. “Whatever will be the case, the best players will be those who can move best on the pitch.”
Can you regret something as a tennis legend with so many successes? “Maybe that I could have been a little more professional at a young age. But maybe I would have lost my fire much earlier,” Federer speculates.
Federer also has at least one big farewell exhibition planned. All his former coaches and other friends should come to this. He wants to say “goodbye and thank you”.
But this is not to be seen as a back door à la Serena Williams. For Federer there is no alternative due to his age and also because of his right knee, which has now been operated on three times.
Federer does not want to reveal what exactly is wrong with his knee. “It’s a private matter, I don’t even know some things myself,” he explained.
At least the injury does not hinder the Swiss, who had believed in a comeback until the last Wimbledon tournament, in everyday life.
Source: Nachrichten
