Tennis: Roger Federer reflects on retirement and upcoming Laver Cup

Roger Federer, one of tennis’ greatest legends, shared insights about his retirement and his continued involvement with the sport ahead of this week’s Laver Cup in Berlin.

The 43-year-old, who retired at the Laver Cup in London two years ago, has remained connected to tennis as an ambassador for the tournament he helped create.

In an interview with reporters, Federer reflected on how staying active in the tennis world has helped him transition smoothly into retirement. “I’m happy I went back right away to some tournaments,” Federer said. “I feel I ripped the Band-Aid off quite quickly, and when I walk around the tennis sites, I still feel I belong there.”

Federer emphasised the importance of staying engaged with the sport. “I don’t feel like an alien, which is a good thing because you can feel like that very quickly,” he explained. “People, players ask you, ‘What are you doing here?’ and you’re like, ‘Exactly – if you keep talking like this, I will never come back.’”

He acknowledged the temptation to stay at home and enjoy retirement but stressed the value of remaining involved. “I’m happy I’m still able to feel comfortable in a setting like this because it would be so much easier just to stay home, get comfortable at home, and realise you don’t need to be on tour anymore.”

Looking ahead to next year’s Australian Open, Federer praised emerging talents Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who are quickly rising in the sport. He also expressed optimism for his contemporaries, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, although both will be absent from this year’s Laver Cup.

Speaking about Nadal, Federer said, “With Rafa, we don’t know – it remains to be seen. It’s hard for me to make a prediction on Rafa because of the little tennis he has played this year.” On Djokovic, he added, “Novak, winning the Olympics and playing somewhat let’s say a full season – he didn’t bow out because of injuries, he chose to play less, which is normal when you get a bit older.”

Federer expects Djokovic to be a favourite at the Australian Open, along with Sinner and Alcaraz. “I think he’s definitely going to be one of the favourites along with Sinner and Alcaraz,” he said. “The Australian Open story will be a very cool one to follow.”

Federer also discussed Team Europe’s prospects in the Laver Cup. With Rafael Nadal out due to injury, Alcaraz will step in to represent Europe against Team World. German player Alexander Zverev will also play for Team Europe, and Federer believes Zverev has the potential to claim his first Grand Slam title.

“I see someone who’s playing much too passively, much too defensively when it matters the most,” Federer said of Zverev. “I think he has to remind himself to try not to be too passive, and then something really great can happen for him.”