"It's just nice to be out there and let the sweat go a bit": Federer has lost competitive edge, doesn't play 'much tennis anymore'
ATPThursday, 14 September 2023 at 08:30
Former world number one Switzerland’s Roger Federer has
revealed that he has lost the competitive edge.
The 42-year-old is being rated as one of the greatest tennis
players in the men’s singles category in the Open era.
He announced his retirement last year in September after
suffering from fitness concerns for a long time.
Federer, while talking to the Wall Street Journal, revealed that
he does not play ‘much tennis’ anymore.
“I don’t play much tennis anymore, other than with the kids,”
he said. “As a former player, to book a court and get someone to hit with you
is a process, so you end up not doing it. On vacation, I just played with our
friends in the Hamptons. I’m not super competitive. It’s just nice to be out
there and then sit on the terrace and let the sweat go a bit.”
The Basel-born further went on to state that his kids love
playing the sport and also revealed that he takes time out to teach his kids some
important lessons about playing tennis.
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“All four kids love it [playing tennis],” he said, “The
girls didn’t love it in the beginning but as they get better, they’re enjoying
it and playing points now. They were up at [John] McEnroe Academy in East
Hampton, and the boys were in Mallorca at the [Nadal] camp for a couple of days.
“When I have time — and I try to make the time — I go on the
court with them and try to teach them a little bit. It’s obviously an
interesting dynamic, because I’m the dad, and not a former player. It is what
it is [laughing].”
Federer was the first player in the history of the men’s
singles category to win more than 15 Grand Slams. He was also the first to lift
20 major titles in his illustrious career.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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