Roger Federer is in Berlin this weekend to watch live the 2024 edition of the Laver Cup, which is taking place at the Uber Arena. The 20-time Grand Slam champion - who played the last match of his legendary career two years ago at the O2 Arena in London - is enjoying time with his family and is engaged in many projects with his numerous sponsors.
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The former world number 1 has tried his best to return to the ATP tour, but a serious knee injury has affected the last period of his career. After undergoing various surgeries between 2020 and 2021, the Swiss Maestro has accepted reality and started his second life after tennis.
King Roger has repeatedly said that he had no regrets and that he gave everything to the sport. Fans were hoping that Federer would arrange some exhibition matches with his big rivals, but it hasnt happened until now. The feeling is that his knee is not yet completely in order and that the former Swiss champion wants to wait a little longer. The King appears occasionally in tour tournaments and was present at both Wimbledon and the US Open, testifying to his immense love of tennis.
Tony Godsick onFederer
Although his career ended in 2022, Federer continues to be loved around the world and fans would like to see him play at least in exhibition. Speaking with MARCA during the 2024 Laver Cup, Tony Godsick opened up on Rogers potential return on court: Since Roger retired, he doesnt want to play a game until he feels physically fit. Think of the record number of spectators they broke in South Africa. We like to do great things. If there is a chance to break that record one day, Im sure Roger will consider it. They both like working together and I like working with Carlos Costa (editors note: Rafael Nadals agent). I have very good memories. The former world number 1 had also invited Rafa Nadal to this edition of the Laver Cup, but the Spanish champion gave up a few days before the event because he still did not feel competitive.
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In a long interview during the Laver Cup, Federer reflected on the new direction of tennis: "Boys and girls will start hitting stronger forehand and backhand shots and will be less fearful because they will realize that the reward is there. The best movers are the best players, and that shows. The mentally sharper, physically stronger, and faster ones are the best players. It's not so much about technique anymore. In the last 10, 15, or 20 years, I have been deceived enough to think: 'I'm not sure about this technique,' but with racket and string technology, you can solve those problems, and as long as you hit the ball hard and well, anything is possible in tennis.
He also added: "The game is where it was but just one step higher. I always feel it keeps improving. Maybe it's just a lack of variation, but that's because nowadays we have all players with two-handed backhands (on the backhand side) and don't use slice as much. Naturally, we don't see as many drop shots either. Alcaraz and Medvedev are trying to add it to their game, which I think is a great play, but you need to train a lot on transition play. Overall, I still enjoy watching tennis today, and it will always have its secure place because tennis is a wonderful sport.
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The future of tennis
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner seem to be the right players with the right weapons to take over from the Big 3 in the next 10-15 years. The Spanish ace and the Italian ace have split the four Grand Slam tournaments played this year and have played some epic matches in recent years.
The Swiss legend also offered advice to the young talents: If I had to give any advice to juniors, it would be that you are 50 per-cent that coach as well. Yes, you are going to have your people, your parents and your coach. They are all going to tell you what to do. But at some point, you are going to be alone on court and you have to remember what you think is right because only you know that maybe your knee is hurting or that your mind to travelling or your forehand isnt working.
So you have to be able to figure it out yourself. No one else can fix it for you at that moment. I did that well when I was growing up. I knew I had to take responsibility. Its your fault if you win and your fault if you lose. Juniors often like to blame someone or something, but no, its down to you. Dont blame anything.
