Roger Federer reveals why he ‘doesn’t play much tennis anymore’

Tennis News
Roger Federer interview

Roger Federer recently played some tennis during a family vacation and he admitted it was rare for him to get on a tennis court since his retirement.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner hung up his racket in September last year as he failed to overcome a serious knee injury. However, his knee is now fully healed and he is eager to get back on the court.

But as a former professional player it is apparently quite difficult to get someone to hit with you so Federer often ends up playing with his children.

However, the 42-year-old did manage to get some game time in with friends during a holiday in the Hamptons, New York City, and he loved every minute of hit.

“I don’t play much tennis anymore, other than with the kids. As a former player, to book a court and get someone to hit with you is a process, so you end up not doing it,” he said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

“On vacation, I just played with our friends in the Hamptons. I’m not super competitive. It’s just nice to be out there and then sit on the terrace and let the sweat go a bit.”

And his children are also falling in love with playing tennis as his twin daughters – 14-year-olds Myla Rose and Charlene Riva – are now keen on the sport after initially being indifferent.

Federer also revealed that all four his children have been training at some esteemed tennis academies in recent months with the girls playing at the John McEnroe Academy in New York while twin boys Leo and Lenny were at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.

“All four kids love it,” he said, “The girls didn’t love it in the beginning but as they get better, they’re enjoying it and playing points now. They were up at [John] McEnroe Academy in East Hampton, and the boys were in Mallorca at the [Nadal] camp for a couple of days,” he said.

As for coaching his children, he said: “When I have time — and I try to make the time — I go on the court with them and try to teach them a little bit. It’s obviously an interesting dynamic, because I’m the dad, and not a former player. It is what it is [laughing].”

READ MORE: Roger Federer on how ‘intense’ rivalry with Rafael Nadal evolved – ‘Back in the day we couldn’t stand each other’

John McEnroe Rafael Nadal Roger Federer

Latest