Federer calls for a revolution in tennis and better support for talent like Raducanu

“We have to better help, support and guide the younger generation. I cannot imagine starting my career with social media,” explained Federer.

The 40-year-old believes that he could only have dealt with it badly: “Ten friendly comments are always countered by a negative one. Of course, you focus on these. It’s a terrible thing.”

Federer himself experienced the first ten years of his career without social media: “Maybe I had a website. For the next ten years it was everywhere. The media thing also has to be reconsidered.”

Because the numerous press appointments that a tennis professional has to complete would often further intensify the stress.

Roger Federer criticizes enormous stress for talent

“Even when I feel bad, I have to behave in a certain way towards the media. We have to remember that tennis players are athletes and professionals, but also people,” warned Federer: “I’m one of the athletes who has done most of the press work. All I can say is that it’s always the same, always. “

With Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka, the Swiss also produced two recent examples for his criticism. “I’ve followed Raducanu’s incredible run at Wimbledon and Osaka’s performances over the years. Both stories are great,” said Federer.

But it hurts “to see that they feel bad. The stress is enormous. Much of it is certainly related to social media.”

Raducanus Atemprobleme und Osaka Boykott

US Open winner Raducanu had to give up in this year’s round of 16 at Wimbledon due to sudden breathing problems.

A little later, the young Brit said on Twitter: “I played the best tennis of my life in front of a fantastic crowd and I think this week’s experience caught up with me.” Raducanu had previously canceled an official press conference.

Osaka also boycotted all media talks for a while due to mental problems. At the French Open, the Japanese even voluntarily dropped out after a dispute with the organizer. This had threatened Osaka with the exclusion from the tournament.