Roger Federer still follows tennis ‘very closely’ and feels ‘generational change is noticeable’

Roger Federer has revealed that he still follows tennis “very, very closely” and thinks the “new generational change” in the sport is “really noticeable.”
The Swiss great believes tennis is currently in a good place admitted it is “a shame” he has not been able to face some of the rising stars on the ATP Tour.
Federer is currently in Vancouver for the 2023 Laver Cup, which will be held at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada from 22-24 September.
This will be the sixth edition of the exhibition team competition where two teams featuring players from Europe and the rest of the world face off. The indoor hard-court contest was established by Federer in 2017, with Team Europe holding a 4-1 edge from the five previous installments.
Federer represented Team Europe at four Laver Cups and called an end to his incredible 24-year career after the 2022 edition, where he partnered friend and rival Rafael Nadal in doubles for his final match.
Speaking to Eurosport ahead of the 2023 Laver Cup, the 20-time Grand Slam champion discussed the emergence of a new generation in the sport.
“A lot still going on in tennis of course, as always. The records will always tumble. Or just the stories always rewritten. And just for example the US Open was great with the record (24 Grand Slam titles) of course by Novak Djokovic,” said the Swiss.
“And of course I was also very happy about Coco Gauff’s victory. I’ve known her for five years, when she was very young, and this was a great victory for her. We have a new world No 1 in women’s tennis (Aryna Sabalenka), Alcaraz, who won Wimbledon.
“And just the new generational change is really noticeable. It’s a bit of a shame for me that I haven’t been able to play against a few [of the young players] in the last couple of years. But I think it’s great what’s going on in tennis at the moment and I still follow it very, very closely.
“I think it’s still going well, not that there would somehow be a slump after I retired or that Rafa is injured at the moment. The story continues and that will always be the case.
“Tennis will always be played by new players but at the same time, the way I see these players moving on the court now is unbelievable. And I think many more will come. The new players have interesting personalities and tennis is still right up there in the world of sport, and that is beautiful for me to see.”
The former world No 1 also explained how he has been spending his time during his retirement.
“I’m surprised how much I actually still have going on. I was thinking, so okay, you stop and then there’s nothing left to do. But it’s not like that at all,” added the 42-year-old
“I’m still very busy with all my partners together or then also for the foundation I’m travelling a lot, was also in Africa for the first time, in Lesotho, with the family. That was absolutely great.
“Then, of course, I was also at the UN right now, working for early learning in the world and especially in southern Africa, so that hopefully more children can go to school, because that needs a lot more money and a lot more opportunities from the big countries.
“And I’m committed to that and then I’m designing shoes, clothes, tennis racquets. So I’m still fully involved and I’m always very happy when there’s a new project for me.”
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