Roger Federer opens up about ‘beautiful’ moment with Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray
For years Roger Federer “dreaded” the moment that he would retire from tennis, but in the end his fears were unfounded as it turned into a “beautiful” occasion with his family and some of the sport’s all-time greats all by his side.
Having struggled with a knee injury for the best part of two years, Federer took the big step in September last year as he announced he would bow out from tennis with the Laver Cup in London his final event.
The big farewell took place on the opening day of the tournament at the O2 Arena as his final match as a professional saw him team up with his great rival Rafael Nadal in the doubles.
Although the pair lost the match, the post-match goodbyes and celebration will live long in the memory as an emotional Federer and Nadal held hands with tears streaming down cheeks while the likes of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray watched on.
The 41-year-old has not spoken much about that day in public, but he gave some insight during an interview with CNN about the emotions he went through when it came to hanging up his racket after more than two decades at the top.
“I didn’t talk to anybody about it, really,” he said. “It was just more about getting away from it, but eventually [I had to] decide: where am I going to retire? How painful is it going to be? Or how much of a celebration will it be?
“But it ended up being everything and more for me. I thought it was beautiful and being surrounded by Rafa, Novak, Murray, [Björn] Borg, [John] McEnroe, [Rod] Laver, you name it, [Stefan] Edberg, they were all there, my team, my family.
“So it was it was a very, very nice end because I was really, truly dreading that moment of how to go out of the game.”
The 20-time Grand Slam winner was honoured by the All England Club on Tuesday as they marked his record-breaking Wimbledon achievements on Centre Court.
With the one-year anniversary of his retirement a couple of months away, Federer feels the transition has been “super smooth”.
“Last year was the 100-year anniversary of Centre Court, and I came back and I got an incredible ovation… I remember saying on court that I hope to see you next year – and I truly meant that,” the eight-time Wimbledon winner said.
“Funny enough, I don’t miss so much being out on court anymore just because I know the body couldn’t do it.
“So I think it’s good that I couldn’t or I can’t, which then lets me watch and follow tennis as a total fan.
“I think planning ahead and planning quite far ahead for personal moments with my family and friends, I think that’s what I enjoy the most.
“Life’s honestly been good. I didn’t play so much anymore at the end. So actually I feel like the transition was super smooth.”
WATCH: Legend Roger Federer receives lengthy standing ovation on Wimbledon return
