19-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has opened up about his plans to retire from the game. Federer, the current World No. 2 behind Rafael Nadal of Spain insisted that he will continue to play the sport as long as he can strike a balance between his family life and his commitments as a professional athlete.
The Swiss great, who made a remarkable comeback after a six-month injury layoff at the start of year, winning the Australian Open before securing a tour-best seven titles said: “We will see for how much time I will be able to play. My fans know I would like to continue this way, until when I will enjoy playing tennis and am able to reconcile my sports’ activity with family life.”
Federer added: “Any other success is an extra-satisfaction, especially since a few people believed I could win the 18th Grand Slam title.”
The press has been writing off the Basel native since 2009, the year he won his only French Open trophy. The reigning Wimbledon champ blamed the journalists about spreading rumors of his retirement.
Federer said: “After winning all the Major titles, journalists looked at new things. There are many speculations about my retirement, and they won’t end until when it gets real. I try not to think about retirement too often, because I think the more you think about it, the closer it gets.”
On being asked whether his wife Mirka, a former WTA player, helps him in planning his strategies for different opponents, Federer responded: “She helps me mentally. She understands when I am nervous, and she provides constructive criticism. She supports me especially about the organization and with the family.”
“Does she play tennis with me sometimes? About five times a year, especially during holidays. When I want to have the racket in my hands again, it’s up to Mirka to play with me.”