Since retiring from professional tennis in 2022, Roger Federer has been focusing all his time on his family: his wife, Mirka Federer, and their four children. However, in a recent candid interview, Federer revealed a harsh truth about his life after retirement, shedding light on the personal challenges he faces as he steps away from the sport that defines him.
For years, Federer’s family has been his rock, with Mirka playing a vital role in his career as a confidant, advisor and biggest supporter. After retiring, the tennis legend has made it clear that his priority is spending quality time with Mirka and their children, twins Myla and Charlene, and twins Leo and Lenny.
Federer has embraced this new chapter in his life with enthusiasm, frequently sharing moments of family vacations, school outings and everyday moments he missed during his intense playing schedule. However, despite the joy of being a full-time husband and father, Federer admits that adjusting to this new role has not been entirely easy.
In a recent interview, Federer spoke about the emotional and psychological challenges he has faced since stepping away from the sport. The tennis star admitted:
“Retirement is not as easy as it sounds. For 20 years, tennis was my life. It gave me structure, purpose and direction. Suddenly, all of that is gone, and as much as I love spending time with my family, a part of me feels lost.”
He explained that it was difficult to shake off the adrenaline and motivation that comes with competing at the highest level. Despite his immense achievements, Federer admitted that he sometimes struggled with questions like “What’s next?” and “How do I fill this void?”
Federer also revealed that watching a match as a spectator gives him a bittersweet feeling:
“I love tennis and I always will, but sometimes it’s hard to sit on the sidelines. There are times when I wish I could pick up a racket and go back out on the court.”
Throughout his career and retirement, Mirka has been Federer’s rock. He credits her with helping him through this difficult time, offering unwavering support and helping him focus on the positive aspects of retirement.
Federer said:
“Mirka has been incredible. She reminds me every day that life is not just about achievements, but also about the bonds we create and the memories we make as a family.”
Mirka also encouraged Federer to explore new passions and opportunities, including his philanthropic work with the Roger Federer Foundation, which focuses on educating and empowering underprivileged children.
Despite the challenges, Federer stressed that his retirement has allowed him to better appreciate the simple joys in life:
“I’ve learned to cherish the moments I once took for granted, like waking up without a schedule, watching my children grow up and having dinner with Mirka without worrying about tomorrow’s training.”
He also expressed his gratitude for the immense love and support he continues to receive from fans, who remind him of his lasting legacy in tennis.
Federer’s candid revelation struck a chord with fans, many of whom admire his vulnerability and honesty. Social media was flooded with messages of support:
“Roger, you are more than just a tennis player, you are an inspiration. Thank you for being so realistic about life after retirement.”
Another fan wrote:
“It’s heartwarming to see how much Roger cares about his family. He’s a legend, not just on the pitch, but in life.”
As Federer adjusts to retirement, he is slowly finding new ways to thrive. By expanding the reach of his foundation and exploring ambassadorial roles in tennis, Federer remains active in the sport and continues to inspire countless fans around the world.
Roger Federer’s journey after retirement is a testament to his resilience and humanity. While the transition has brought its share of challenges, Federer’s dedication to his family and willingness to push through these challenges demonstrate the strength of his character. The “cruel truth” he shared serves as a reminder that even the greatest champions face challenges, but with the right support and mindset, they find a way to thrive.