For many interviews that come out these days, Roger Federer He never ceases to surprise us with his deep reflections and sincere confidences about his sports career. The Swiss has spoken at length about many aspects of his life these days, paying special attention to his knee and the process of retiring. However, in a chat with today.com, he also looks further and begins to x-ray his success from various perspectives. One of them is the influence of his four children on his sports career, as well as the way his parents managed his strong character when he was a child. In addition, there was room to refer to his relationship with Rafael Nadalwith whom he maintains a solid and true friendship of which both seem very proud.
Reasons that precipitated its withdrawal and how the process was conceived
“It’s true that when I went to Wimbledon I said we’d see each other the following year. There I was still trying, but two weeks later I realized that I had reached a limit and I couldn’t continue. Also, I had a negative result from a scan that It precipitated everything. The first moments were of sadness, of great emotion, I felt that everything I knew in my life was falling apart. But soon, Mirka made me see that this was the beginning of a new stage and that I was going to be able to enjoy a lot family life and new challenges. My biggest concern is not to lose that unique connection with the fans,” he said.
Experience competing with several generations
“It has been impressive to be able to face players from very different eras. When I started, I had to face Sampras and Agassi, then I competed with players like Hewitt, Safin, Roddick or Ferrero. I was a kind of bridge between all these players and then Novak and Rafa, with whom I have shared great battles. The truth is that if I had to choose a time, I would say my beginnings because it was incredible to share a dressing room with those who were my idols, to prove myself facing true legends”, commented Roger. “I think we have pushed tennis in the right direction. Personally, I have always stayed true to myself and seeing how people have liked my tennis is the biggest compliment I can receive.” he highlighted.
Influence of fatherhood on his tennis career
“The twins were born just after regaining number 1. As you know, Mya and Charlene came into our lives in 2009 and there were two years in which I did not win a Grand Slam. The truth is that from those years I only remember changing diapers, bathing girls and being a father,” he said before referring to the birth of the twins, Leo and Lenny, in 2014. “His birth shook the foundations of our entire lives. Going on tour with four children was quite an adventure, I went from being the heavy favorite to become a challenger and I loved that role. I was hungry for titles. I didn’t consider not traveling with the kids because that would have meant retiring. Really, I could have retired many years ago, but Mirka and I took on the challenge to travel as a family so that I could continue,” argued Federer.
Keys to his friendship with Rafael Nadal
“The truth is that we have always connected, I think our relationship is based on mutual respect, we have managed to naturalize our rivalry and lead a very normal relationship, despite the many battles we have fought. The magnificent connection they had was fundamental our families and work teams. We always knew how to keep a cool head in the tense moments of the competition and that has allowed us to have a very good friendship for so many years”, he said Roger Federer.
