Less than three years after retiring, Roger Federer already misses the thrill of playing tennis in front of a crowd. The Swiss legend played his final match in September 2022 at London’s O2 Arena during the fifth edition of the Laver Cup. He partnered with longtime rival and friend Rafael Nadal in an unforgettable doubles match that moved the world, especially when the two burst into tears at the end, holding hands.
Though he’s stepped away from professional competition, Federer has expressed his desire to play exhibition matches and fill stadiums once again.
Life After Retirement
Since leaving the tour, Federer has embraced a new lifestyle centered on family, travel, and freedom. He recently attended The Masters in Augusta, Georgia—one of golf’s four Majors—and earlier that week was seen at the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000.
Reflecting on his current life, he shared how fulfilling it has been to dedicate time to his wife and children, and to explore the world without the pressure of matches or training. “I’ve completely settled into retirement and I’m very happy. I feel full of energy,” Federer said. “We’ve always dreamed of revisiting certain places—or discovering new ones—just for the pleasure of being there.”
A Desire to Return to the Court
Despite his contentment, Federer admitted that he misses tennis and hinted at a possible return through exhibitions. “I’d like to resume training a bit—maybe two or three times a week. I hope to play exhibitions again, filling stadiums around the world. Nothing is planned yet, but I miss it.”
He noted that he’s barely played since retiring, giving his body and mind a much-needed break. “I’ve hit a bit with my kids, but I’d like to get back into it seriously. During my travels, I’ll slowly start again. Maybe you’ll see me on court soon.”
Family, Balance, and Giving Back
Federer also shared how retirement has allowed him to improve his time management and enjoy moments with his children. “I often joke that I should have retired earlier—I’m so happy now. My boys are 11, my girls will soon be 16. It’s a great time to strengthen family bonds. We have a lot of fun.”
He remains active off the court, primarily through his foundation’s work in Africa. Recently, he visited South Africa with his family to support educational projects. “We’ve been very busy traveling and working on the foundation. I’d like to play tennis again. As for golf, I’m taking a break—I’ve been playing a lot!”
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
