Federer’s new life: Golfer, diver and chauffeur
Published: Friday, Sep 20th 2024, 11:10
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In his elegant dark suit, Roger Federer was the most popular man on the black carpet in Berlin. First the former national soccer player Bastian Schweinsteiger asked for a photo together, then it was tennis retiree Angelique Kerber's turn. Boris Becker and Steffi Graf's husband Andre Agassi also joined the queue of interested parties. Nobody wanted to miss out on a picture with the 20-time Grand Slam winner.
Federer is currently in Berlin in his role as ambassador for the Laver Cup. The team competition pits a European selection against a world team. "I'm enjoying my time here. After the Laver Cup I'll be back home. Then I'll be a father and chauffeur again," said the 43-year-old two years after ending his career.
The eight-time Wimbledon winner is now only rarely on the court - but his love of the grass has never lost its intensity. "I started playing golf. My children have also started, as has my wife," the former world number one told the German Press Agency, adding with a laugh: "It's not enough for a duel with Rafael Nadal yet.
Tick off tourist points in Berlin
Anyone who thought that Federer would get bored after his jet-set life and without the adrenaline rush of the world's biggest tennis arenas is wrong. The father of four is developing new passions. "I've also taken up diving. I have a lot of time to go on really cool trips with my family and I travel a lot," said Federer, looking visibly satisfied.
The vacations in Vietnam and Thailand were a highlight. The tennis legend also wants to use the few days in Berlin for a bit of sightseeing. "I have to tick a few touristy things off my list now," said the former grass court specialist.
The tingling sensation remains
Federer played his last match at the Laver Cup in 2022. The tingling sensation remains. He inspected every corner of the dark court in Berlin like a curious boy. "It still feels like I ended my career five seconds ago. When I'm standing here on the court, I'd love to pick up the racket and start playing right away," said the fan favorite, reminiscing: "I'm having a lot of flashbacks right now.
He doesn't feel like "an alien" yet. "But it feels a bit wrong to step onto a pitch. It's for players, not pensioners," said the 43-year-old as he gave interviews on the sidelines. The Swiss repeatedly looked behind him, where Alexander Zverev and the Norwegian Casper Ruud were training. Both are part of Team Europe in the team competition, which is challenging the world team led by US Open finalist Taylor Fritz.
"I can still do it"
Federer himself served four times at the Laver Cup. However, after more than two decades on the tour, he has now also made friends with his role as a spectator. At a sponsor event, he impressively demonstrated that Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's permanent rival has not lost much of his talent.
His one-handed backhand is still as elegant as it was when he won a total of 103 titles on the ATP Tour. His serve-and-volley game still as fluid as in his last Grand Slam victory in Australia in 2018. "I can still do it," joked Federer. Only his fitness seems to have suffered somewhat. Exhausted, Federer sank down on the bench after a few minutes and puffed: "I'll be going on vacation again soon."
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