Now in a freewheeling interview with German media outlet Zeit, Federer has spoken about his early tennis days, his rivalry with Rafael Nadal and his desire to keep playing the sport.
Roger Federer said at first that his parents invested a lot on his early tennis training, but were not convinced that he would make the best use of the opportunity.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion said that at 16, he had to take a decision between continuing school or focusing full-time on tennis. After deciding to turn all his attention to tennis, Roger Federer received a two-year ultimatum from his father to make something of himself in the sport.
Perhaps Roger Federer was destined to succeed, as he became the top-ranked junior in the world in almost no time. From there, there would be no looking back.
Roger Federer then gave his take on what makes tennis different from other sports, saying that it is a lonely pursuit where a player cannot seek assistance from anyone else during a match. That is also the reason why many players can be seen talking to themselves mid-match, according to the Swiss; they look at it as a form of self-therapy.
Roger Federer also revealed that staying in the moment was a difficult proposition for him as a youngster. The Swiss legend often threw his racquet in anger when things didn’t go his way; eventually his parents grew so exasperated of his on-court behavior that they stopped showing up for his matches.
Roger Federer’s racquet-throwing tendency famously reared its ugly head during his straight-sets loss to Franco Squilari at the 2001 Hamburg Masters. It is worth noting here that Squillari is one of only two players - the other being Pat Rafter (3-0) - to have played multiple times against Roger Federer and never lost to the Swiss.
Recalling his loss to the Argentine in Hamburg that day, Roger Federer said that he not only played ‘badly’, but also projected himself in poor light.
It turned out to be a match that would eventually change Roger Federer’s tennis outlook and on-court demeanor for the better. After that meltdown the then teenager visited a psychologist, who helped him strike the right mental balance on the court.
Roger Federer on the role models he took inspiration from
While growing up, Roger Federer adored Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg and incorporated a lot of the duo’s attributes in his game.
Roger Federer also mentioned that his compatriot Martina Hingis was another player who inspired him.
Outside tennis, Roger Federer admires Michael Jordan and wants to see the Netflix documentary made on the legendary basketball player.
Roger Federer also revealed that the thought of filming snippets of his day-to-day life has crossed his mind on occasion. But the Swiss hasn’t strode down that path yet, as he often travels with his family and is mindful about the need for privacy.
Roger Federer talks about his best tennis memory and his rivalry with Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer revealed that his first win at Wimbledon is the best moment of his tennis career.
After three first-round defeats in his first four appearances at the tournament, Roger Federer won the first of his eight Wimbledon titles in 2003. The 20-time Grand Slam champion said that winning his first title at the grasscourt Major, which was also his first Grand Slam title, was a magical experience and a dream come true.
Roger Federer also talked about the first time he met his good friend and arch-rival Rafael Nadal, recalling how the Spaniard came across as a shy person off the court but an epitome of passion and intensity on the court.
Roger Federer also elaborated on his legendary rivalry with the Spanish left-hander, which many believe has transcended the sport. Federer and Nadal have crossed swords with each other for the biggest titles on the tour, with Nadal leading Federer 6-3 in Grand Slam finals and 7-5 in Masters 1000 title matches.
Roger Federer said that despite their fierce on-court battles, he and Nadal have tremendous mutual respect for each other and their families also get along well. Federer is aware that he and Nadal are role models for a legion of fans, which makes them mindful of their on-court behavior.
During a stellar 22-year long career, Roger Federer has been the epitome of excellence on the tennis court and a role model off it too. As he approaches the last leg of his playing career, the Swiss said that playing in front of a capacity crowd enthralls him the most.
The 38-year-old also uttered the dreaded R-word, acknowledging that he is fast approaching the sunset of his illustrious career. But Federer then said he is still enjoying playing tennis, and is looking forward to joining the tour.
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