Roger Federer, one of tennis’ most iconic players, has always been celebrated not only for his impeccable talent on the court, but also for his grace, sportsmanship, and humility off the court. After a career filled with accolades, including 20 Grand Slam singles titles, Federer retired from professional tennis in 2022, leaving a legacy few can match. However, as he embarks on this new chapter in his life, his priorities have shifted from the spotlight to his family. Federer recently explained that his retirement has given him the chance to focus on his wife, Mirka, and their four children, but he also shared a painful truth about life after tennis that may surprise many.
Federer’s incredible career spanned over two decades, with numerous records and unforgettable moments that will forever be etched in tennis history. Yet, despite his unprecedented success, Federer’s decision to retire was accompanied by mixed emotions. While he has adopted a slower pace of life, the world-renowned athlete has come to realize how difficult it is to walk away from something that has defined your existence for so long. In a recent interview, Federer revealed that the most important thing for him now is to focus on his family, who have supported him unwaveringly throughout his career.
“For me, life after tennis is Mirka and my children,” Federer said, referring to the quieter, more family-oriented life he now leads. “I spend every moment I can with them. I know it’s precious and time goes by so quickly.”
Federer and his wife, Mirka Vavrinec, have been inseparable since they met in 2000 at the Sydney Olympics. Mirka, a former tennis player herself, was one of the cornerstones of Federer’s success, managing the personal side of his life while he focused on his career. Now, with Federer retired, their bond has only strengthened and family life is now their top priority. Together, they have four children: twins Myla Rose and Charlene Riva, and twins Leo and Lenny.
“I want to be there for every school event, every birthday, and all the little moments that I missed during my playing career,” Federer said. “Tennis took away a lot of those moments, and now I just want to be there for them.”
It’s clear that Federer’s shift in priorities has been a rewarding experience. Quiet time at home, school activities and family vacations have replaced exhausting matches and travel. But while Federer has found immense joy in being a present father, he also shared a darker truth about the reality of life after tennis. Despite the peace and time with his family, Federer admitted that stepping away from the sport he’s loved for so long hasn’t been as easy as it seems.
“It’s hard to accept that you’re no longer the best in the world at something,” he says. “After so many years of hard work and competing at the highest level, it’s a hard thing to accept. The truth is that there’s a sense of loss. Tennis has been my life for so long, and now I have to figure out who I am without it.”
That vulnerability reveals an aspect of retirement that many athletes face but rarely talk about. Adjusting to a life outside of competitive sport can be overwhelming, especially after devoting so much of your identity to your career. Federer, once the world’s top player and the face of tennis, now finds himself grappling with the emotional and psychological challenges of no longer being in the spotlight. “I’m grateful for the time I have with my family now, but there’s this void that comes from not competing,” he admitted. “It’s something you don’t fully appreciate until it’s over.”
Federer’s frankness about the emotional weight of retirement is a rare and honest glimpse into the reality of life after sport. The sense of loss he describes is not just the absence of competition, but the identity crisis many athletes face when what they’ve built their lives on disappears. But even in the face of this “emptiness,” Federer is determined to move forward. He acknowledges that while the transition is difficult, he is at peace with his decision to retire.
“I’m still finding my way, thinking about what’s next,” Federer said. “But at the end of the day, I know I’m at peace with my decision. Tennis has given me everything, and now it’s time to give back to my family and focus on the next chapter.”
Federer’s openness about his post-tennis journey reminds us that even the most talented athletes are not immune to the challenges of retirement. But where other athletes might shy away from discussing the challenges of adjusting to a life away from the spotlight, Federer faces them with characteristic honesty and humility. “I have everything I could ever want, but I’m still learning to accept this new chapter in my life,” he said.
With tennis behind him, Federer is determined to be the best father and husband he can be. His commitment to his family is clear and his goal is to make the most of the time he has with Mirka and their children. “My family is everything to me,” Federer said. “They have been there for me through thick and thin and now it’s my turn to be there for them.”
Roger Federer’s life after retirement reflects his values, and while he may no longer be chasing Grand Slam titles, his legacy is far from over. Whether it’s through his philanthropic work, his role as a father, or his influence on the world of tennis, Federer will continue to inspire those around him. But for now, the joy of being a husband and father is more than enough. As he begins this new chapter, one thing is for sure: family will always come first.
