How is Roger Federer? As part of the Laver Cup in Vancouver, the Swiss gave a few insights into his current life.
by Florian Goosmann
last edited: September 25, 2023, 3:37 p.m
© Getty Images
Jim Courier, Roger Federer
One thing in advance: Roger Federer is fine. It’s been a year since he hung up his racket on the famous nail. At the Laver Cup 2023, however, he was briefly on the training court again, also to show a few kids the beauty of the slice shot. The sound alone made tennis hearts beat faster.
In any case, Federer was a big part of the Laver Cup in Vancouver, which probably had to survive its most difficult edition. Without the “Big 4” on the court, and on TV at inconvenient times for European fans. And in the end: Team World won very easily, with only one relevant match on the third match day.
Federer himself was of course among the spectators – and also during the question-and-answer game with Jim Courier on the court.
Federer admitted that he doesn’t really have any more time, with four children that’s just the way it is – “I’m a full-time driver now,” he joked. And a lot on the road with some projects (even secret ones). Oh yes, he also goes to the gym four to five times a week, but he has still gained a bit of weight. “But I’m working on it.”
Nadal as your favorite doubles partner?
Of course, a few of his ex-colleagues didn’t take long to ask to contribute something – Rafael Nadal asked with a wink who Federer’s favorite doubles partner was. We remember: Federer played with “Rafa” at the first Laver Cup in 2017 – and also his farewell match last year.
Federer grinned, he explained that it was actually his wife (the two actually played at the Hopman Cup). “But Rafa can have that,” said the maestro.
Federer more successful with a two-handed backhand?
At the end, a question from nine-year-old Olivia in the audience: What advice would he give nine-year-old Roger Federer? “Have fun when you go to practice. Listen to your parents, listen to your coaches – they are right. And you might have a better career with a two-handed backhand,” he laughed.
But he is happy with his one-handed one. And his kids? “All four of course play a two-handed backhand.”
When he first started out, Federer explained that he sometimes played with both forehands and backhands because of the heavy rackets. And I don’t even remember when he changed.
But it’s not too late to make a change – Pete Sampras also initially played a two-handed backhand, Jim Courier pointed out. Federer said he would talk to his kids when he returned to Switzerland.
But: “It didn’t go too badly for us.”
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2023-09-25 15:20:00
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