Roger Federer Talks Retirement and Hall of Fame Induction Ahead of Exhibition Match

Roger Federer, the celebrated Swiss tennis star and the newest member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, has been making waves in New York City. As he prepares for a weekend filled with festivities—including an exhibition match at Arthur Ashe Stadium—Federer reflects on his transition into retirement and his legendary career.

At the flagship store of On, a Swiss shoe company in Manhattan's Flatiron district, excited schoolchildren lined the streets, clutching tennis rackets and balls in hopes of getting them signed by the iconic athlete. Inside, Federer was engaged in a conversation with his longtime agent, Tony Godsick, before gearing up for a special event where he would interact with fans and play ping-pong with local kids.

As he gets ready to step back onto the court for the exhibition against Andy Roddick and the doubles match with John McEnroe, Federer shared his thoughts on his retirement. "I definitely feel retired, definitely feel very different," he said, noting that the first year post-retirement was about adjusting to a new rhythm in life. He expressed satisfaction with how the transition has unfolded, stating, "Overall that transition was rather easy." Now, he feels in control of his new lifestyle, where family, travel, and creative pursuits take center stage.

Federer's family life has changed significantly, with his twin boys now 12 and his twin girls 17. He finds joy in being more available for their school and extracurricular activities, noting, "It’s nice not to have a next match coming or a next practice coming." This newfound freedom allows him to think creatively alongside his team about future projects and ventures.

Excitement is palpable as Federer prepares for his exhibition matches, especially the rare opportunity to play alongside McEnroe. "I’ve never played with him, so yes, I was very excited when I heard that he could do it," he remarked, acknowledging McEnroe's significance to the sport and his own career.

As he gears up for the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island, Federer reflected on his greatest achievements. He expressed pride in his record eight Wimbledon titles and five consecutive US Open victories from 2004 to 2008. "I think my eight wins at Wimbledon really changed my life and made me very happy," he recalled, emphasizing the importance of those milestones in shaping his career.

While celebrating his successes, Federer also acknowledged the bittersweet moments in his past. He admitted to having some regrets over lost matches that could have altered his legacy, specifically referencing his defeats to Juan Martin del Potro at the 2009 US Open and Rafael Nadal at the 2008 Wimbledon final. "You just know in that moment when the streak snaps that you’ll never get to another five in a row—it’s just not going to happen," he reflected. Nevertheless, he remains focused on the positive memories, asserting that he does not carry those losses with him today.

As the evening unfolds with his exhibition matches in New York, Federer is keen on creating lasting memories—not just for himself but for his fans as well. The excitement of revisiting the court where he made history serves as both a farewell to his competitive days and a celebration of his indelible impact on the sport.

Source: www.vogue.com