“I still play tournaments myself at 40 and find it difficult to quit” says Roger Federer on wife Mirka’s early retirement from tennis in a long interview


“I still play tournaments myself at 40 and find it difficult to quit” says Roger Federer on wife Mirka’s early retirement from tennis in a long interview

Roger Federer and Mirka Federer

20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is currently recovering from the knee surgery that left him on crutches and also ended his 2021 season in August. Federer sat out the first 3 months of the 2021 season and returned to tour only in March but then went on a small break again only to return in May.

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After a defeat in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Wimbledon, Federer announced his knee surgery and also that his season has ended with a comeback on the cards in 2022 but the official date has not been set. In a recent interview with Ringier Axel Springer, Federer opened up on many topics including his wife Mirka‘s early retirement from tennis, his own retirement and his legacy.

Federer met his future wife Mirka when the duo was preparing to represent Switzerland in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. While Federer went on to have a highly successful career, Mirka’s ended in 2002 due to a foot injury and since then has been a constant companion to Federer in all his tournaments cheering him from the stands.

“She had this injury on her foot. At the time I said to her: ‘Stop it! Why the stress? It’s really cool. As if it were the easiest decision in the world(laughs). Today I think, ‘Am I crazy? I still play tournaments myself at 40 and find it difficult to quit’. It has even happened before that Mirka – and she may not be happy that I am telling you this – called me during a match. 

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“She had completely forgotten that I was playing (laughs). That’s exactly what I like about her, that’s Mirka’s charm: If she’s in tennis, then she’s in. And when she is outside, she can break away from it very well,” said a praising Federer about his wife Mirka.

“That doesn’t exist for me” says Roger Federer on his best possible end to his career

Roger Federer Wimbledon 2017
Roger Federer with the Wimbledon 2017 trophy, his 8th at the All-England Club

Federer has been a proud Swiss and has taken Swiss tennis to a different level paving way for the newcomers including Olympics Gold medallist Belinda Bencic and upcoming teenager Dominic Stricker who many are keeping an eye on. “That is perhaps a bit exaggerated, but it took three Wimbledon victories for the people here to realize, ‘Hey, it’s really good!’

“Sometimes it’s a shame when the euphoria is greater abroad than at home. I am very lucky that I grew up in Switzerland and that I can still live this normality here today. That made me who I am today,” said a patriot Federer who is one of the most famous Swiss globally.

Speaking about his legacy when he hangs up his boots, Federer said, “I hope I will be remembered as a casual, cool, good tennis player. And as a person, I hope that I was able to set an example that, even if you are successful, you can treat people with decency, attitude and fairness.”

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With his legacy, the 40-year old was also asked what could be the best possible end to his career that began way back in 1998. “That doesn’t exist for me! But I wish that I can choose the moment myself. I am sure I will know when that moment comes. I am not afraid of the time after my professional career. It will be a smooth transition. 

“Mirka and I managed the life balance between tennis, family and friends incredibly well. That is what almost makes me most proud. Because what is ultimately really important in life?” said Federer on his retirement plan but to the much delight of his fans, Federer is not eyeing a retirement any time soon.

Also Read: “I would scream the whole way back to my home” Roger Federer opens up on how he dealt with losses