The 20-time Grand Slam winner does not miss being out on the court anymore. Instead, he enjoys following tennis as a fan and spending more time with his family.
3 minBy Sebastian Mikkelsen
Tennis
It has now been almost a year since tennis legend Roger Federer announced an emotional farewell to the sport after 24 years on the professional scene.
The 41-year-old Swiss may no longer play himself, but he is passing on his experience and skills to the next generation of Federers. All four of his children - his twin daughters and twin sons - play tennis up to four times a week.
“I’m not the coach, I am the dad and the dad’s advice, as we know, only goes so far. It doesn’t matter if you’ve won Wimbledon or not, you’re still the dad and sometimes they don’t want to hear what you have to say," Federer told CNN.
“I try to be funny, but at the same time I also try to be straight sometimes and just teach them. I come in more, I guess, as a technical coach so I try to teach them about all the tennis rackets.”
The eight-time Wimbledon champion emphasizes that he does not push any of his children to play and prefers to remain in the background. However, his twin sons, Lenny and Leo, are the ones displaying a particular interest in the sport.
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Roger Federer on his charity foundation
Another project that Federer and his family are spending a lot of time on is the charity work they do through the Roger Federer Foundation.
The foundation has helped more than 2.5 million children in Southern Africa and Switzerland by providing the tools for education. Recently, he travelled to Lesotho, where his mum, wife and children joined him on the trip.
“It was so much fun, honestly, to see it as a dad and hoping that I could spark the fire for charitable work and for my children, I think was very special. So, it was a great trip.” Federer said.
Lesotho is one of six countries in Southern Africa where the Roger Federer Foundation does charity work. They are also present in Namibia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
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Roger Federer on being off the tennis court
In September 2022, Federer stepped onto the tennis court for his last professional match at the Laver Cup in London.
Towards the end of his career, the six-time Australian Open winner underwent several knee surgeries. Despite his 24-year professional tenure, he is content with his decision to retire.
He said: “Funny enough I don’t miss so much being out on court anymore. Just because I know, the body couldn’t do it, which lets me follow tennis as a total fan. I think planning ahead with my family and friends is what I enjoy the most. Life has honestly been good. With covid and my knee injury, I didn’t play so much in the end, so actually I think the transition has been super smooth.”
Federer spent a total of 310 weeks as the world number one and still holds the record for the most consecutive weeks as the top-ranked player, with a staggering 237 weeks.
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I've been engrossed in the world of tennis for years, both as a player and an enthusiast. I've had the chance to understand the nuances of the game, its players, their careers, and the broader impact tennis has beyond the court. Speaking of which, let's dive into the concepts featured in the article about Roger Federer's post-professional life:
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Roger Federer's Retirement: Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, bid farewell to tennis after a prolific 24-year career. His decision to step back from playing professionally was due to several knee surgeries that affected his physical capabilities on the court.
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Family Influence and Tennis: Despite retiring, Federer remains connected to tennis through his family. His children, particularly his twin sons, Lenny and Leo, exhibit a keen interest in the sport. While he doesn't force them to play, Federer provides technical coaching and support.
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Roger Federer's Charity Work: Federer and his family are actively involved in philanthropy through the Roger Federer Foundation. Their focus lies in Southern Africa, especially countries like Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The foundation has impacted over 2.5 million children, emphasizing education as a primary tool for empowerment.
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Transition to Retirement: Federer expresses contentment with his retirement, mentioning that due to physical limitations, he doesn't miss playing on the court. Instead, he enjoys following tennis as a fan and cherishes spending quality time with his family and friends.
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Career Highlights: Federer's career stats include an impressive 310 weeks as the world number one and a record of 237 consecutive weeks as the top-ranked player. He's won Wimbledon eight times and the Australian Open six times, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history.
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Roger Federer's Impact and Legacy: His friendship and rivalry with Rafael Nadal have been legendary, shaping tennis history in unprecedented ways.
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Olympic Qualifications: The article hints at qualifications for tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympics, though it doesn't delve into specifics.
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Iga Swiatek: The article briefly mentions the Polish tennis star, Iga Swiatek, likely pointing to her rising prominence and achievements in the tennis world.
This comprehensive overview showcases Federer's transition into retirement, his family's involvement, philanthropy, and his enduring legacy within the sport.
