At the age of 38, time is not on the side of world No.3 Roger Federer. However, the age-defying Swiss player has no intention of bowing out of the sport just yet.
Federer is the second oldest player in the top 100 on the ATP Tour after Ivo Karlovic (40). When he made his grand slam debut at the 1999 French Open, world No.20 Felix Auger-Aliassime wasn’t born. Since then, Federer has become one of the most decorated tennis players in history with 102 tour titles. Including a record 20 at grand slam level.
During recent years, speculation has mounted about when he will decide to call it quits for good. Yet Federer has never confirmed anything. Earlier this year his agent, Tony Godsick, said during one interview that even he had no idea. Unbelievably, it is the 10th anniversary of when Federer first heard the question – when will he retire?
“I actually found it quite strange. Someone asked me at the French Open and I was 28 back then.” He said during a special question and answer session with Mikaela Shiffrin on Coop Zeitung.
“I thought I would continue to play until 32 or 33. Then I had a stage in which those questions were really tiring but I always answered them nevertheless. And now we are at a point that people ask me in every interview as it could be that I reveal it at that moment.’
“But I won‘t do it. I don‘t know it myself yet. I always say that I wish I would know.”
When he does walk away from the sport, there will inevitably be positives and negatives. He has played on the ATP Tour for 21 years so far. His first match was at the 1998 Gstaad Open where he lost in the first round to Argentina’s Lucas Arnold Ker.
So what will Federer miss when he retires?
“Maybe the travelling. Even though I like to be on the road around the world. But it is something different when you can choose your destinations as a tourist as when the tournament schedule dictates them.” He explains. “The same goes for the pressure which you have as a tennis player. I probably won‘t miss it even though I might think.”
“It will be strange when you won‘t be a part any more of this family from one day to the other.” Federer added.
Among the uncertainty, the former world No.1 has vowed to keep involved in tennis, no matter what. Away from the court, he has been involved in numerous activities. He is the co-founder of the Laver Cup, which recently celebrated its third edition. Federer is also part of the Team8 management company, which he founded with Godsick. As for endorsements, he signed a 10-year deal with Uniqlo last year worth in the region of $300 million.
“I guess it would feel completely wrong to totally go away. I love tennis too much for this.” Federer assured. “Sure, in the beginning, it won‘t be easy for me. To only sit there and don‘t have the control anymore over a match. Especially in a stadium where all the people will look at you and you will get shown on the big screen… difficult.”
Federer is set to return to action at the Shanghai Masters. The tournament will get underway on October 6th.
