Federer grew up idolising Michael Schumacher and Tiger Woods: "I always thought it was impossible to do that"

Roger Federer grew up idolising Schumacher and Tiger Woods because of the level of dominance they displayed in their sports and he thought it was impossible.

It seemed impossible because very few players dominated any sport the way Federer did when he hit his peak. It took generational talents like Nadal and Djokovic to properly challenge him in what we now know as the golden era of tennis. Finding inspiration in Schumacher and Woods is not bad because they are truly some of the greatest to ever drive a racing car or hold a golf club.

Federer explained how something that seemed impossible became sort of normal for him:

“When I was growing up, I had Michael Schumacher that I would look up to, who was at the top for so long. Tiger Woods, same thing. And I always thought it was impossible to do that, to stay at the top for so long and have that drive. Now people ask me: 'how did you do it?' And I’m like, 'well, it’s normal!' You just go out there, you do it again, and you try to win, and again. And it’s fun and so you keep doing it."

He continued:

“Everybody else would like to be in your shoes, right? And then you also have a duty to represent the sport well and enjoy it while it lasts. I really felt I squeezed out that lemon until the last drop and I tried my very best until the end. It was incredible.”

And added:

“I also needed the likes of Pete Sampras to show me how it is at the top. And it’s tough, you know?. But I feel like I had a lot of fun on the tour. It was not just about tennis. It was also going to nice dinners with friends and I’m happy I didn’t take tennis that serious or that professional."