Roger Federer doesn’t have the itch that plagues many retired star players.
In an interview with GQThe 20-time major champion said he is actually “relieved” that his tennis career is over and has no desire to return to competitive action after his retirement in 2022.
“I’m really relieved, if that makes sense,” said Federer, 42.
He explained that he could see the light at the end of the tunnel after years of deteriorating knee conditions.
“So the last few years have been tough on my knee,” Federer said.
“I could feel the end coming. So when it’s all over and I cross the line and officially retire, I take a deep breath and think, ‘Oh, okay, great.’
When asked if he missed tennis, Federer had a surprising answer.
“Not really,” he replied.
Federer, who said he gets asked that question “often,” feels “really relieved.”
“I think it’s also because I know that my knees, my body, my mind won’t allow me to go out. Do I feel like, ‘Oh, I could have hit that shot?’ Yes, I understand. Maybe you can do it now. But it feels like a squeeze of lemon. I’ve tried everything I have. And I’m so peaceful. ”
Federer said he started playing with his family.
“When I play with my kids, I love going to play tennis. I just booked a court with my wife for the first time in my life,” he said.
“We asked, ‘Is the courthouse open from 3 to 4 on Tuesday?’ Because we thought it might be fun to hang out.” This was a month or two ago. I went to play next to the children who were taking lessons, and it was a lot of fun.
“I love playing tennis, and I’ve always wondered, ‘What’s going to happen at that moment when I retire and go back to the tennis court and don’t have to actually improve? Who cares if I miss a forehand? Or is it? Who cares if it’s getting better or not?”
Federer married his wife Mirka, a former Swiss tennis player, in 2009 and they have four children.
