Roger Federer has had an impact on tennis that is second to none in the history of this sport. The former Swiss champion has been loved in every corner of the world and has earned a reputation among his colleagues that attests to his status as a global icon. Fans and insiders would have liked the Swiss Maestro to never retire, but his career ended at the 2022 Laver Cup.
The last years of the King’s career were marked by a serious knee injury, which forced him to undergo surgery that did not solve the situation. The 20-time Grand Slam champion gave his all to get back competitive and give himself a last chance to re-enter the ATP tour, but at some point he had to surrender to the painful reality.
Roger Federer© YouTube screenshot
The former world number 1 greeted the crowd at the O2 Arena in London at his own event, a memorable evening spent with his biggest rivals. Despite his immense love of tennis, Federer accepted the idea of retirement with great serenity, having realized that he could no longer compete at certain levels.
At the beginning of this summer, a beautiful documentary was released on Amazon Prime Video in which the last days of his legendary and unparalleled career were told. The 20-time Grand Slam champion is now involved in several projects and loves spending more time with his family. The former world number 1 has remained in touch with tennis and is often seen in tournaments, although he has not yet organized exhibition matches with his former rivals.
Sam Querrey on Federer’s legacy
Just over a week ago, the US Open ended with wins by Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka. In the latest edition of the Nothing Major Podcast, former world number 11 Sam Querrey reflected on Federer’s legacy in New York. The former Swiss champion has won the US Open five times, but he never lifted the trophy again after 2008.
Roger Federer© X screenshot
Roger was also the last player to defend his title at Flushing Meadows. Fans also remember the painful losses suffered by the Maestro against Novak Djokovic in the 2010 and 2011 semi-finals, both with missed match points. The Swiss played in the final in 2015, giving up four sets to Djokovic. “I gotta go Roger… his night matches were always just iconic,” Querrey said. “Federer’s legacy is like way beyond Novak and Rafa at the US Open. He always played at night, the crowd loved him. He’s got like the iconic tweener shot against Novak,” he added. The eight-time Wimbledon champion was in New York a short while ago and attended some matches at the US Open. The 20-time Grand Slam champion loves to watch matches live and was greeted by a roar on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Federer was in New York
Speaking on the ‘Today’ show, the Swiss legend opened up on the World No.1 Jannik Sinner’s doping case: “It’s not something we want to see in our sport, these types of news, regardless if he did something or not, or any player did. I understand it’s a tricky situation. It’s the nightmare of every athlete and team to have these allegations and these problems because we fill out these forms all day every day. And it lives with you. Every morning when you wake up, you think, ‘Is somebody at the door coming to test me?’ So it’s really difficult.
I understand the frustration of, ‘Has he been treated the same as others?’ And I think this is where it comes down to. I think we all trust pretty much that Jannik didn’t do anything, but the inconsistency potentially that he didn’t have to sit out while they weren’t 100 percent sure what was going on, I think that’s the question here that needs to be answered. But look, it is what it is, and we need to trust the process as well of anyone involved here.”
Roger Federer© @S_RF_CA X account
King Roger also spoke about his huge friend Rafael Nadal: “I actually just spoke to him this last week. He wanted to ask me something, and we had a chat, and, I felt a little bit sorry for him. That his summer didn’t go as well as planned because, at the French Open he had a tough draw. Olympics, he had a tough draw as well. He was hoping, I think, to get a medal. But you know, overall he can do whatever he wants. He’s been one of the most iconic tennis players we have ever had in our sport and that’s what I told him. So I just hope he can go out on his terms and the way he wants to, but he’s a great guy, great career.”