Roger Federer and Clarín, in a note in which he fantasized about his life outside of tennis. Photo: Ariel Grinberg.
Roger Federer retired from tennis ending a career that was unrepeatable not only statistically (20 Grand Slams and 103 ATP titles and the record of 237 consecutive weeks as 1 in the world, among other successes) but in everything that gave tennis its way to go on and out of the courts. The Swiss will play the Laver Cup for the last time, later this month and in London. A stage that will be packed and with a television broadcast for the whole world, which will now have more value.
The fervor for Federer transcends borders, of course, and Argentina was one of the countries that made “Your Majesty” feel the most admiration. Roger was in the country in 2012 and then returned in 2019, where he had a fun chat with Clarín, on various topics. Roger discussed his retirement, then a growing possibility, and wondered how he envisioned his life outside of tennis.
But he also talked about two Argentine tennis players he has always admired, such as Juan Martín del Potro and David Nalbandian, and left an interesting analysis of his duels with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and the renewal that was coming to the circuit.
The first question was about the best athletes in history and Roger put together his list.
“There are so many amazing athletes … Michael Schumacher, Muhammad Ali, you know? Michael Jordan, of course. Tom Brady … Bjorn Borg …” Roger began. And then he approached football: “There are also many players, like Pelé or Maradona. I am very lucky to have seen them and to have met many”.
-If I had to pay a ticket to see another person, be it a musician, an athlete, anyone. Who would you do it for?
– Probably from some musician. Music makes me happy; sport too, of course, but when I go to concerts that’s when I feel happiest. Sometimes I think about the other things I would like to do often when I retire and think about going to a World Cup rugby match, NBA or NHL playoffs, World Cup or Champions League game, Formula race 1. .. There are many things that I have not been able to do and that are on my list. I want to do them. So I’d probably go see some rock stars or some of those sports.
– You always talk about retirement. When you finish playing, you will have half your life ahead of you …
-I hope that…
– Are you worried about this later, having to find a new passion, knowing that you might not make it as successful as a tennis player?
-No, I’m not worried. I respect the process, yes, and I know it will be interesting. My priorities will be my children, like now, but in a different way; my foundation, to which I will be able to devote more time; I will have sponsors, partners, business opportunities. But I hope to continue in tennis because I love him and he gave me everything … And then … I’m humble enough to start something from the lowest level. I don’t think, because I play tennis well, I can do anything. I think it’s important to step back and understand that you have to learn new things. This makes me happy. I know I’ll be able to lead a less stressful life too, so I’m great with that.
-How is a perfect day in Federer’s life without tennis?
-At the beach, with my children, getting up without having an agenda. I always have plans, both with tennis and with kids … Thinking “well, what are we going to do today?” it is a tremendous luxury. Having time away from everyone, spending time with my family, my parents, my best friends running on the beach, having a drink, relaxing … This is my perfect day.
-Would you have been Federer without Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic?
-I think if they weren’t here, someone else would have taken that place. And if I hadn’t been there, someone else would have been there for me. So in the end they made me a better player, that’s for sure, but if I would have won or lost more without them nobody knows. It is written in the stars. They are amazing, very tough and I respect them incredibly. But I think apart from them I would have had a good career when I realized that I could unlock my potential through hard work.
-Is there something you wouldn’t mind not being who you are?
-Yes of course. There are times when it’s best not to be famous, but most of the time it’s all good about being famous or successful. People respect me a lot, they admire me. For me it is important but without abusing it, without feeling special just because people think so. The important thing is what my friends, my parents, my wife, my children believe. I’m not trying to make everyone like me; yes to be a good role model because guys look at me. Being famous has good and bad things. I’m not in the same mood every day, but I work and try to be the best person I can be. Be respectful with everyone, without making any differences; For me we are all the same. And I am normal.
Source: Clarin
