Roger Federer admits he feels ‘lighter’ after retiring: ‘We’re not machines, we’re human beings’

Roger Federer has opened about the mental battles that players face each and every day when they play on the ATP and WTA Tours, saying you can only live a normal life once you retire.
After nearly 25 years as a professional tennis player, Federer retired in September after struggling to recover from a serious knee injury.
The Swiss great started his career as a 17-year-old back in 1998 and when he finally packed his racket away for good, he had just turned 41.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner admitted that the travelling, constant planning and other obligations that come with the job makes it very difficult to relax when you are still playing.
“As a tennis player you’re always thinking about your next practice, your next match. It never lets you go, your next travel, your next packing,” he said.
“I don’t think I was that much aware of it, how much that thought is always there, and it rides with you, until you retire and then you realise that stress all drops away.
“Doping as an example. We have to fill out doping forms every single day, one hour during the day, where you are. You’re always aware in the back of your head, they could be coming any moment, especially in that hour.
“Once that all drops away you actually feel lighter, relieved that you can actually live normally again after 25 years.”
In the past players used to retire early if they struggled with the demands of professional tennis, but Federer feels they can take an extended break to recharge instead of packing it all in.
“When players retire at a super young age, I totally understand it. We see it from time to time. I always feel it’s such a pity, because there could still be so much going on in the future,” the former world No 1 said.
“I see players are trying to stay on the Tour longer, and maybe also what’s happened in the past is that players do realise you can take three months off, or six months off, or a year off, and still be able to come back again and give yourself a rest.
“The Tour is tough…the travel, the practice, the jetlag. Nobody is allowed to say, ‘I’m tired today,’ because it looks like you’re weak, and that’s why players sometimes end up with mental problems.
“You’re supposed to show strength. But we’re not machines, we’re human beings.”
READ MORE: Roger Federer fans fear not – you will see him back on court, just not at official events
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu could face a huge name in her first match back on the WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu is preparing to make her comeback and the the entry list has been released for her return in Aukland.
-
Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios reveals Ben Shelton dream – ‘Serve is a rocket, reminds me of…’
“I had a dream last night that Shelton…”
-
French Open
‘If Rafael Nadal wins Roland Garros, that’s superhuman,’ says former player
“It’s colossal to be ready to make these efforts when we have won as much as he has,” according to Santoro.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal’s expected outfits for Brisbane and Australian Open revealed – One kit is very bright
What colours will Rafael Nadal wear at the Brisbane International and the Australian Open?
-
WTA Tour
Iga Swiatek makes Aryna Sabalenka admission after their intense battle for year-end No 1 ranking
“She deserved it,” said Swiatek of Sabalenka.
-
Tennis News
ATP chief warns against ‘civil war’ in tennis amid radical breakaway tour rumours
Rumours of a breakaway tennis tour have been circulating in recent months.
-
Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios joins Only Fans and promises to reveal ‘intimate side’ of his life
Kyrgios will not be displaying the most private parts of his relationship with his girlfriend Costeen Hatzi.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal makes candid confession as he addresses whether 2024 will be his final season
Rafael Nadal has spoken openly about how much longer he is likely to keep playing.
-
News
How Novak Djokovic stepped to the next level by building his perfect tennis shoe
Djokovic saluted ASICS innovator Rene Zandbergen at a pre-Wimbledon event attended by Tennis365 last summer.
-
News
Jack Draper reveals Alzheimer’s disease has had a ‘cruel’ impact on one of his biggest tennis inspirations
Draper is working with Alzheimer’s Society in the UK and is hoping to raise awareness of what he describes as a ‘cruel’ condition.