Roger Federer has no plans of slowing down as he approaches the later stages of his illustrious career.
The 34-year-old Swiss will return to action at this week’s Monte-Carlo Masters after being sidelined from action for ten weeks due to a knee injury followed by illness. The knee problem was a reminder to Federer, as well as the sporting world, that nobody is invincible from injury. The experience brought up an uncomfortable realization for the 17-time Grand Slam legend.
“I experienced difficult times, felt that my world was fragile. I realized that I was just a passenger, I had to trust the surgeons who say that it was the right decision and that everything would be okay”. Federer told Carole Bouchard in an interview with La Parisien.
Throughout the past year on the tour, Federer has been constantly asked one question – when will he retire from the game? At third in the world, the army of Federer fans doesn’t have to panic about a pending retirement, whenever it is. It does, however raise one question. When will he decide that enough is enough?
“I wonder what path will follow my thinking,” Federer said when asked about his potential plans for retirement.
“Each player has lived it differently, and sometimes we have no choice. This decision will come naturally and it will make me feel comfortable with the decision”.
A father of four, the Swiss player obviously wants to spend more time with his children in the future as well as his wife, Mirka. Besides his desire to spend more time with his family in the future, the 34-year-old has no intention of moving away from a sport which has made him a global sporting superstar.
“I have always said that I will not coach or commentator but who knows? Never say never. I will always love tennis and I think I will stay involved, maybe just helping the kids in Switzerland, I do not know yet,” The Swiss player candidly revealed.
Thoughts about retirement will be at the back of Federer’s mind at this week’s Monte-Carlo Masters, where he will be bidding to win his first ever title there. In his opening match, he will play Spanish veteran Guillermo García-López. Federer has beaten him three times on the tour before, however, their last meeting was almost seven years ago at the 2009 Wimbledon Championships.
