‘I won’t be a ghost’ – Roger Federer makes vow to fans on life after retirement
Roger Federer has assured fans that he will remain a part of the sport for years to come despite ending his professional career.
The 20-time Slam champion made his ATP tour level debut at the 1998 Swiss Open Gstaad aged just 16.
Now, just over 24 years on, the 41-year-old star is closing this chapter of his life at the 2022 Laver Cup, though he will stay where fans can see him.
“I won’t be a ghost,” he told reporters from the O2 Arena ahead of the Laver Cup. “It’s funny, I talked about Bjorn Borg just before. I don’t think he returned to Wimbledon for 25 years.
“That, in a way, hurts every tennis fan. Totally acceptable, his life, his reasons, you know. But I don’t think I’ll be that guy.
“I feel tennis has given me too much. I have been around the game for too long. Have fallen in love with too many things.”
More than anything, Federer has said he will miss the fans that keep the sport he loves alive, and he cannot leave them behind just yet.
“I love seeing people again, and that’s kind of what I wanted to let the fans know that you’ll see me again. Not just never again,” he continued.
“Now what it could be, in what capacity, I don’t know. So I still have to think about it a little bit but give myself time.”
Before that, Federer aims to complete his last competitive match in doubles alongside a very special partner in a fitting note on which to finish his illustrious time in the sport.
“I’m ready to be on your side.”@rogerfederer greets teammates @DjokerNole and @andy_murray during their #LaverCup practice on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/YUnYTJRLpz
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 21, 2022
Photo credit Getty Images
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