Retirement can make you feel ‘like an alien’ in tennis, says Federer
2024-09-19
Federer's Retirement Journey: Staying Connected to Tennis Keeps Him Grounded
Roger Federer, the legendary Swiss tennis player, recently opened up about his retirement experience, revealing how his continued involvement with the sport has helped him avoid feeling disconnected from the game he loves. In an interview ahead of this week's Laver Cup in Berlin, Federer shared his insights on the importance of maintaining a presence in the tennis world, even after stepping away from the professional circuit.
Federer's Retirement Revelation: Avoiding the Alien Feeling
Embracing a New Role: Federer as Laver Cup Ambassador
Federer's retirement from professional tennis in 2022 marked the end of an era, as the Swiss maestro bid farewell to the sport he had dominated for over two decades. However, his journey did not end there. Federer has since taken on a new role as an ambassador for the Laver Cup, a tournament he helped create and has been closely involved with since its inception.By staying connected to the Laver Cup, Federer has found a way to maintain his presence in the tennis world, allowing him to avoid the sense of isolation that often accompanies retirement. "It's been great to stay involved with the Laver Cup," Federer said. "It's helped me feel like I'm still a part of the sport, rather than feeling like an alien on the outside."
The Laver Cup: Federer's Passion Project
The Laver Cup, a team-based competition that pits Europe against the rest of the world, has been a labor of love for Federer. He has been instrumental in shaping the tournament's vision and has remained actively involved in its organization and promotion."The Laver Cup is a project that I'm truly passionate about," Federer explained. "It's a way for me to stay connected to the sport I love, to work with the players I admire, and to continue contributing to the growth and development of tennis."
Maintaining a Presence in the Tennis Community
Federer's continued involvement with the Laver Cup has allowed him to maintain a strong presence within the tennis community. He has been able to interact with players, coaches, and fans, ensuring that his connection to the sport remains strong."It's been incredibly rewarding to see the Laver Cup grow and evolve over the years," Federer said. "Being a part of that process, and seeing the positive impact it has on the sport, has been a source of great satisfaction for me."
The Importance of Staying Involved in Retirement
Federer's experience highlights the importance of staying involved in one's passion, even after retirement. By maintaining a connection to the sport he loves, Federer has been able to avoid the sense of isolation and disconnection that can often accompany the end of a professional career."Retirement can be a challenging transition, but I've found that staying involved in the things you care about can make a world of difference," Federer said. "It's been a privilege to continue contributing to the sport of tennis, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to do so through the Laver Cup."As Federer prepares for this week's Laver Cup in Berlin, his continued involvement in the sport he has dominated for so long serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals alike, reminding us of the importance of maintaining a connection to our passions, even after the curtain has fallen on our professional careers.