Federer says goodbye: “I am very proud of my career”

Throughout his impressive career, Roger Federer has always been able to hold press conferences just as easily as playing tennis. But this round with the media was difficult even for the Swiss tennis legend. In a white shirt and dark jacket, Federer sat on the podium in London on Wednesday to speak to the world press for the first time since announcing his resignation last week.

The 41-year-old Swiss has spent more than half his life on the tennis tour and has won more than 100 titles. “It's been an incredible journey, I'm very proud of my career,” said the long-time world number one. This weekend Federer will play his last official match at the Laver Cup. After three operations, his knee is so damaged that it is no longer sufficient for a single, but only for a double. A double with Rafael Nadal at the end? For his last appearance, the 20-time Grand Slam winner wants a very special partner at his side: Rafael Nadal. “Of course I would like to play with Rafa,” said Federer, referring to the doubles planned for Friday evening. Federer has had a sporting rivalry with Nadal for many years, but the two superstars and their families are close friends off the court. “This is a big message to the sport,” said Federer about the special relationship with Nadal. Rivals on the pitch, friends off the pitch: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. © ANSA / NIC BOTHMA

Once again the Big Four, who have dominated world tennis for years, will reunite in London. Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray – they have all played many epic matches against each other. “It’s nice to have them all around me again,” said Federer, whose former idol Björn Borg will coach Team Europe against the world team in London.

And what comes after the weekend? After an impressive career? “I don’t have any exact plans yet,” said Federer. The only thing that is certain is that he wants to stay involved in tennis in some way. He had already written that in his resignation announcement last week. “Tennis gave me too much, I fell in love with too many things. I just wanted to let the fans know that I'm not a ghost, that I'm staying in tennis. In what role, I don’t know yet,” said the Swiss.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Federer says goodbye: “I am very proud of my career”

One of the greatest sports careers comes to an end this weekend. Roger Federer puts the tennis racket in the corner. The knee doesn't cooperate anymore, it's only enough for one last double. The Swiss legend wants a special partner for this.

Suggestions

Comments (0)