Roger Federer has returned to competitive court action, not on the tennis court where he built his legendary career, but on the padel court in Dubai. The Swiss tennis icon, who retired from professional tennis in 2022 after a storied 24-year career, was spotted playing padel with his longtime coach Severin Luthi at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in January 2023.
Federer shared the moment on social media, posting a photo of himself and Luthi playing padel at night accompanied by the caption: “Excited to be back on the court with Severino,” along with a cry-laughing emoji and a sunglasses-clad smiley. The post quickly gained attention from tennis fans worldwide who were thrilled to see the 20-time Grand Slam champion active on court again, even if in a different racquet sport.
Padel, which Federer described as “a cross between tennis and squash,” is played on a court that is approximately one-third the size of a tennis court. The sport originated in Mexico in the 1960s and has experienced significant growth in popularity across Europe and the Middle East in recent years, particularly in countries like Spain and the United Arab Emirates.
The appearance marked Federer’s first public on-court activity since his emotional retirement ceremony at the Laver Cup in September 2022, where he played his final professional match alongside longtime rival Rafael Nadal in doubles. Since retiring, Federer has maintained a relatively low public profile focused on family life and his various business ventures through his company Team8.
His return to padel comes amid continued interest in his post-tennis activities. Federer has been involved in various ventures including his role as a shareholder in the Swiss sportswear company On, his investments through Tennis Ventures, and his philanthropic work via the Roger Federer Foundation, which focuses on education initiatives for children in southern Africa.
The padel outing with Luthi highlights the enduring relationship between Federer and his coach of over two decades. Luthi served as Federer’s coach throughout his entire professional career, guiding him to 103 ATP singles titles, including 20 Grand Slam championships, and helping him hold the world No. 1 ranking for a record 310 weeks.
Whereas Federer has not indicated any plans to compete professionally in padel, his participation has generated excitement among fans who enjoy seeing the tennis legend remain active and engaged with racquet sports. The sport of padel shares several similarities with tennis, including the use of a solid racket (though stringless in padel) and an underhand serve, while incorporating elements like wall play similar to squash.
Federer’s foray into padel also reflects broader trends in athlete transitions post-retirement, where many former professionals explore related sports that allow continued competition and physical activity with less physical strain than their primary sport. Other tennis legends have similarly explored padel, including compatriot Stan Wawrinka, who has been spotted playing the sport in exhibition settings.
The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, where Federer played padel, is a well-known sports facility in the United Arab Emirates that hosts various tennis and padel events throughout the year. The venue has previously accommodated high-profile athletes and sports events, making it a suitable location for Federer’s return to court activity.
As of early 2023, Federer’s padel appearance represented his most significant public sporting activity since retirement. While he has attended select tennis events as a spectator and participant in legends’ exhibitions, this marked his first verified on-court competitive engagement in any racquet sport following his professional tennis retirement.
Fans and commentators have responded positively to Federer’s padel outing, with many expressing joy at seeing him back in a competitive environment, even if in a modified form. The activity underscores Federer’s enduring love for racquet sports and his willingness to explore novel challenges while maintaining the grace and sportsmanship that defined his tennis career.
Looking ahead, Federer’s focus appears to remain on his off-court endeavors, including business investments, philanthropic work, and spending time with his wife Mirka and their four children. Any future on-court activities, whether in padel exhibitions or other formats, would likely be approached with the same selective and purposeful manner that has characterized his post-retirement approach.
For now, the image of Federer smiling on the padel court with his longtime coach serves as a pleasant reminder that while his tennis career has concluded, his passion for competition and connection to the racquet sports world remains strong. As one fan commented on social media following the post: “Would rather watch Roger Federer play padel than 90% of the ATP Tour,” capturing the enduring affection fans hold for the Swiss maestro regardless of the sport he chooses to play.
The next confirmed checkpoint in Federer’s public schedule remains unspecified, as he continues to balance his various business interests, foundation work, and private life following his retirement from professional tennis. Fans eager for updates will need to rely on his official social media channels or authorized announcements for any future on-court appearances or public engagements.
For continued coverage of Roger Federer’s post-tennis activities and developments in the world of padel and other racquet sports, readers are encouraged to follow trusted sports news sources and official athlete communications.
