Roger Federer - Tennis Legend

You've transcended the sports as well, because tennis for many people is this this thing that happens somewhere. Who plays it? And how do they play? You've become larger than life, and now it has all come to an end. Before we talk about the end, let's talk about what it was when you look back. No, I'm I want to talk about that when just when when you look back, did you know from the beginning, did you have an inking? Did you look in the mirror and go like, oh,

I'm going to switch this ship up? No? No, I did not know it was gonna turned out this good. Um. I mean in Switzerland, we don't dream this big, you know, we we hope to we hope to be good, but not a great. And and then sports it's probably skiing, and there's a bit football, a bit of ice hockey and all that stuff. And then tennis was coming up, and thankfully we had an Olympic champion, Mark Rosse, and

I need to him on the Olympics and tennis. And then we have Martina Hingis who also want the youth open up member then and they paved the way for me a little bit too, to show me that it was possible. And then yeah, people were saying I could be the next Pete Sampers, and I was talented and all that stuff. But you feel like they always say that, you know at some point, and I never thought I

was going to have this grade of a career. So I couldn't be more more exciting, more happy, and more proud of everything, and unfortunately has come to an end. But it's been great. It really has been great. It's been amazing, you know. You you talk about Pete Sampers, and I think about somebody like Pete, who who is a legend in the sports, you know, who do find

so many aspects of the game. And he held the record for a very long time, and then you come into the sports, you eclipse his record in what six years it takes you, you know, and Pete would talk about how you know that he got sort of tired of the sports, and you know he was he was a champion, he was, but you had this drive and this class about you that that nobody understood. You're You're a multi generational talent as well, because the class that

you came in with retired before you. The next class played with you, and you were still the champion, and now the class that is there now still goes. Roger Federer is one of the best competitors we've ever played against. You know, what do you think? I would love to know how you how you found that drive? How did you keep on going? What inspired you? Know when you had won it all? It's a it's a good question.

And you know, when I was growing up, I had Michael Schumacher that I would look up to, who was at the top for so long Tiger Woods, same thing, and I always thought it's impossible to do that, you know, to stay at the top for so long and have that drive. Now people ask me, how did you do it? I'm like, well, it's normal. You just go out there.

You do it again, and you try to win and again, and it's on and so you keep doing it, and everybody else would like to be in your shoes, right and and then you also have a duty too, in my mind, to represent the sport well and enjoy it while it lasts. And I really felt the guy squeezed out that lem until the last drop, and I tried my very best in the end, and it was it was incredible, And I needed the likes of Pete Samples, you know, to also show me how it is at

the top. And it's it's tough, you know, but I feel like I made I had a lot of fun on the tour. It was not just about tennis. It was also going to nice dinners with friends. And I'm happy that I didn't take tennis almost that serious or that professional. Still had that bit of an amateur twist to it. A bit worried that every sport is going into such a professional direction, which I hope we don't lose the fun in it. Yeah, you you know, that's one of the biggest things that have struck me about

you in meeting you as a human being. And many people will say this about you. You'll meet many athletes who have dominated the sport. The sport is their life. It doesn't feel like that for you. It feels like the sport is a huge part of your life. But Roger Federal still Roger Federer. You know, you're down to earth. You have fun, you meet people, you have conversations. You're living the life, and you're enjoying what the life comes with. In the sport, it inspires you in a different way.

Do you feel like the whole sport has changed in that way? It has become like really meticulous and analytical. Yeah, more so more analytics in the game. Sports science is also coming in hard. Um. It's it's okay. Um, it's it's important, you know. And when you see somebody else doing something that works, well, you've got to kind of

do it too, or at least try it. And then you go you follow them, you know, and I probably I did some of it for other players or for a lot of them, and now others are showing it how how it's done, you know. And of course we're living in a very statistic based world. We love our statistics that we love breaking records and who's the greatest and all that stuff. So you you come out, it's just one Grand Slam or you're just well number one, And the first question, so how long you want to

say well number one? Like what when you're gonna win the next Grand Slam? Like what's your next win? Instead of actually enjoying it. And it's a bit of a problem. I think we instead of enjoying it, we have to move on too quickly. And one Wimbledon victory would have been plenty for me and ended up going on and winning several, but there was several several It was good seven.

I'd love to talk to you about that. When when people regard an athlete as the greatest of all time, oftentimes they're only referring to what the athlete has done, you know, in the field of play, on the court, you know, on the racetrack, whatever it may be. Every single human being who, even if they don't know you personally says Roger Federer is the greatest of all time, not just because of what he achieved in terms of numbers,

but how he defined the sport. For instance, you had the record for a very long time twenty Grand slams, you know, then Ruffer comes along and beats that with twenty one, and then no that comes along and beats there with twenty two, and and yet when you talk to them, they say, Roger Federer is who we're aspiring to and he defines how we're trying to play it.

So I'd love to know, you know, is it is it a little bit irritating that they're using you to beat your record or or does it struck does it strike you that these are your greatest competitors saying yeah, but you're still the pinnacle of what we're trying to be. No, no, no, Look,

I feel very lucky to be that guy. And I know I've been every everything since they come and tour, I've been there, So I think it's a it's a great moment for them, you know, to now show who they are without that federal halo effect me being around and especially younger generation that we're not allowed to say I want to win the US Open because they were told that you can't say that because you know, no Back and Ratha and Roger we're all playing, so they

are the ones that can say that you're not allowed to say that. But I think, you know, the the end was very emotional to be actually on such a great sort of a friendship really with with the guys at the very end of my career, after everything that we've gone through, brutal matches, great winds, tough losses, and

at the end always having this camaraderie is amazing. I mean, maybe just a little anecdote because maybe people don't know, but we shared the same locker room, we share the same restaurants, we usually get put in the same hotels, so we see each other all the time. And we even practiced together, you know, And that that's something I think a lot of people don't know. And when I found that out, it was one of the strangest ideas

I had to wrap my head around. I don't think there are many sports with the greatest rivals practice with each other. I would go, like, you know, I think of like Konfu movies as a kid. I don't want you to know my my secrets. I don't want to know my trick, and you would hit with each other. That's why I ended up not practicing very much with Novack and Rougher anymore. Okay, okay, okay, that makes sense. Not so much with those guys. You would stand, for instance,

with a lot of guys. Damn breaking my guy. Yeah, and there's a camaraderie that that you a chiefly co instance. Many were shocked, especially people who don't watch tennis to see when you know, when you were saying goodbye to the sports. So many people were sad because I think for many, myself included, we felt like we were robbed of. You know, the last few years, COVID robbed us of so much in our personal lives, you know, in societal life, but then also in moments like this, we got robbed

of two years of Roger Federer playing the game. You know, it felt like your retirement came so early, and when you did say goodbye no to us, it did. It's just you know, for me, your knees are telling a different story. Hang on. But but then you know, there's this there's that amazing video of the players saying goodbye to you, and it's this clip of you and and Raphael Nadelt crying crying. You are crying, you are in tears, You're bawling together, and that was a special moment. I

really think. I mean, this is a very unusual situation for us to be on the same team number one and so I think that changed the whole dynamics of my farewell if you want then, um My, my hope was I could play doubles with Rapha. So call him

up after the US Open. And it was a very emotional phone call actually, because it was one of the first times I told somebody outside of my UM team and and family and I had to call him up and tell him, Rougha, just before you make any other plans, I would love you to be at the Labor Cup and play maybe one last doubles with me would be amazing because unfortunately my knee is not so good anymore. And I think it's the end, you know, And He's like, oh yeah, oh my god, Okay, yeah, I'll be there

whatever it takes. I just, um, he's now become a father. I'm so happy for him. And we were not we were not sure if he was gonna make it, you know, because of the baby. So um, it was one of the first times I had to tell that story and come to terms like the career is ending. So when he showed up and Novak was there, and Murray was there, and Beyond Board was there and everybody was there, as an amazing moment and then I knew it was going

to be incredibly emotional. I've always cried a lot in victory and in defeat when I was younger, and I know why, but I do it. But I'm happy because I remember those moments even more so because of it.

And then when it was all over and I had to take the mic, I knew it was going to be terrible for me, but I felt it felt like I did actually pretty good, I think, and I was so happy I was able to be there in Tennis close and not like this, because that was my in my vision, was going to be a beautiful horror show, you know, for me to be there with the mike in front of the in the light and tell everybody, you know, this is it. And it was amazing to do it in London too, where I had so much

success and and Laby Cup was beautiful and rougher. They're holding my hand. Briefly people thought it was or I held his hand actually, but it was. It was amazing. You know, you're going to have and you you will always be synonymous with the sport that you you As I said, you you know you cannot separate Roger Federer from the sport itself now and and yet I was shocked to hear a story which I don't know if

it was true or not. You know, I was like, Roger everyone at tennis, you cannot the name is synonymous with the sport. You kind of rudge. And then someone was like, well, you know that Roger couldn't get into Wimbledon recently. I was like, wait, wait, that's not possible. Is Roger federal? Is this? Is this a true? Is there even a semblars of truth? Uni? Yeah, no, no, I need to understand it was. It was actually two

weeks ago. So I was in Tokyo um for our responsor, my sponsor Uniqloe, and I came back to Wimbledon, actually to London to come see a doctor for having a second opinion on my knee because my knee has been not great lately. And then I didn't want to tell Wimblon that I was going to maybe be there, and I didn't know if I was going to have time to go by the club because I was going to fly home to the family. So doctor appointment was done. Look on the watch, Okay, we got two hours to

to kill, so what are we gonna do? Do we head to the airport, or let's quickly go have tea at Wimbledon. Of course, so let's go. Um, but I have not really been at Wimbledon when the tournament is not on. So okay. So I drive up to the eight um where usually guests come in, where let's say you would arrive and then you go up, and so I get out to tell my coach, who was with me at the time, Severn. I tell him. I quickly

go out and speak to the security lady. You know, I got this, you know, and then I did not. So then I get out and I'm like, yes, hello, Um, I'm just was wondering how I can get into Wimbledon. Uh you know where? Where? Where's the door? Where's the gate? And she's yeah, yeah. Do you have a membership card? I'm like, uh, we have one? I don't because when you win Wimbledon you become a member automatically, yes, And

I honestly I don't know about membership cards. They're probably at home somewhere and I've just been traveling, so I had no idea. So I'm like, no, I don't have my membership card, but I am a member. I'm I'm just wondering where I can get in, and she's yeah, but you have to be a member. So I'm like, okay,

this is gonna be difficult here this one. So I'm like, no, I am a member, and normally I am here, so I have to start again, right, So I tell her normally, when I'm here, i'm playing and there's loads of people and I come in in a different way. And now it's the first time i'm not here. I'm yeah, well the tournament is not on and I don't know where to get in. So I'm just asking you again, where can I get in. She's like, well, I'll decide, but

you have to be a member. So I look at her one last time and I'm in a panic now and I'm I'm so sorry, and I couldn't believe. I still can't believe I say that because I still feel bad about it. And i'd look at her and it's like, I have won this tournament eight times, please believe me. I am a member, and where do I get in? So I'm like, okay, it was so so then so I got back in the car. My coach is like, oh good, where do we get in. I'm like, don't don't,

don't talk it right. So I'm like, let's go up and around the gate. It's so. So then I go out and I go around on the other side. So I get out of the car and random person walks, you know, on the what it walk right, yeah, and said, oh, Mr Feder, my god, I can't believe you're here in Wimbledon. Can we take a self I'm like, yes, let's do. Let's take a picture. And the security and the security guards that are there, they're like, oh my god, Mr Feder,

what are you doing here? Do you have your membership card? I'm like, no, I don't, but is it possible to get of course, We'll open the door, let me organize it. And I walk in and the chairman was there and everybody, and then I was having tea for an hour and I thought of going over to the other side and giving a wave that I was in, but I didn't. You would never do that, but it was you would never do that. It was terrible. I would never do that.

You see. That's what I mean. That's that's that's Roger Federer. You you And when I said I want to wimblan eight times for a split second, I wasn't sure if it was eight anymore, because I was I thought it was a seven. Was it eight? I don't know, but I said it because I never talked like this. So yeah, and you know what, I love that both of you in that situation because on your side, you never talked

like that. You're never that person I've bumped. I've been with you in places where somebody for some reason doesn't recognize you and you don't respond as if they should recognize. You're not that person. But on herself, I believe she deserves a raise. She was gang. Yeah, like your membership cards, because I mean, you know, you know how it goes sometimes if you w where's the membership card? Where is your name? Where is your picture? And you don't have it?

I'm sorry. I like that. It was good. It was good. You know what I've enjoyed about about knowing you is we have so many things in common. You you may not know this as an audience, but you know, like Roger and I have many things in common. We are we both we both half Swiss off South African. Yeah, we we both speak multiple languages. We both played at the record holding. You know, I think it's a little hold we both played tennis, but we both play tennis.

We do we do. Yeah, I guess the world record for the highest of tendance for the tennis match that we might still hold. Yeah. I mean I played for twenty plus years, right, but to break the record, you know, I need you needed help. Something would have happened without me. You know, we have between us twenty grands time titles. It's crazy, um, and you know in many ways, you know,

you know we're both moving on to something different. And I'd love to know from your side, as as an athlete who has defined yourself as something for so long and if people have defined just one thing so long. You've talked about how how hard the idea of moving on has been, the idea of what you will do when tennis isn't your life. But I've noticed that you

you've almost seamlessly slid into everything. You know, your your clothing is everywhere, your shoes, you know, like one of one of my one of my camera guys on team, he was telling me like, these are like walking on clouds. You know not what you and you've done everything exceptionally your philanthropy, all of the work you've done to help education in Africa. Roger Federer has excelled everything in life. What are you most excited about that won't be tennis relating?

You know, I'm I feel a little bad at the moment because I mean, it's been super easy transition so far. I feel really good. I mean I might fall off the cliff tomorrow, who knows, but I feel really good. And the thing is, I've told a lot of people who have so many requests, you know, while I was still playing, like well, reach out to me when I'm retired. So they have, and so now we've had to say

no in a thousand different messages ways, you know. Unfortunately no still not you know, so I feel bad about saying no, but I think I have to take the time to make the next move. Im anyway, still very busy. I mean, I have four children and they mean everything to me. Twins twin boys that are eight and twin girls that are thirteen. So that needs to be my priority with my wonderful wife America, and we that's right, because it is amazing if you've met this really every

step of the way. So um, no, I mean I'm really looking forward to what's next. I I mean, like you said, I have my philanthropy, I have my partners, my sponsors, I have my business and it's going super well. And I don't know. I want to see how I maybe stay involved in tennis in some shape before I'm not sure yet how it's going to go because there's not that many jobs if you want in tennis like it maybe in soccer or in golf. I feel like they have many more interesting. Yeah, we're either a coach

or a commentator. Right. It's it's very solitary, it's very small. Yeah, so I'll have to see. But I will always be open to to mentor kids and do all that stuff. There is one thing that you're doing exceptionally right now, and that is being an ambassador for Swiss tourism. And if you've seen the ads, they're really amazing. No, there really are some some of the funniest ads. You know.

You did one with Anne Hathaway that was pretty amazing, one with the Roy Robert de Niro was one of my favorites, you know, But but I was, I was. I was intrigued by this because I came to Swerland for the first time on my comedy tour. Roger reached out, which this is. This is the kind of person this, this man is. This is Roger Federer, the greatest, you know, tennis players ever lived, one of the greatest athletes of all time. And I get a call when I'm in Switzerland.

He goes, I know you're here, would you like me too? Maybe? Would you like to go for lunch maybe and talk about Switzerland? Or would you can I show you around? Or kind of I'm like, can you like? It's so gracious and it's so unassuming, like it would like I would expect it for and be like, I know you're here, You're going with me? But no, Roger Ferres like, if you would like, maybe I can? You know? And it was amazing, it was And you're one of the best

tour guides of tourism. No I learned from you. I put stuff on the show and and so I'd love to know those those ads were not nerve wracking, because you know, the good thing with the Robert den Era on one is that, I mean number one, I can't believe he actually did it, which in itself was a victory. I mean, I'm a huge fan. And and then he shot his first was during COVID and was like everyone

on a on a call together. You know, I was on a video call, so he had has had done his before and then I could just act on what he did so and I obviously could do a hundred takes if I had to, and there was no pressure and he wasn't around, so but I agree. It was actually very creative and it was a good piece, especially

his side. Me, I'm not not the best. But then but then Ann Hathaway, on the other hand, she was sitting next to me when I was doing the the ad and stress, Yes, that was very stressful because I hadn't the script had changed a lot of the times. And then I gave up because I knew Anne was doing her magic. And when I showed up, the director said, I usually shoot in one piece, and like, what do

you mean in one piece, like the whole thing? Yeah, one take and then it goes like an action And literally I had no idea about any of the lives. They created all these teleprompters for me so I could read of them and then the camera will be moving in front of the telepromptering around, chasing the text. I got better over time, and then Anna was super switch.

You're could have been nicer um to me and uh, and then she tells me at one point towards the end, she's like, you know, Roger, you improved so much during the shoot and you're doing so good. You're improvising incredibly well. And I look at her, was like, you don't have to tell me this. I don't need to be an actor. I'm not a good actor, and I need you to come home and just say, you know what, Swiss tourism, this was a fun at you had a great, a great time, and you don't need to tell me. I'm

I'm doing well. It just needs to be good for you. I'm fine, don't worry. I can be terrible and I'm okay with terrible. You were great. You're a great ambassador for Switzerland. You're a great a great ambassador for the sports of tennis, and honestly you're you're a great ambassador for human beings. Thank you for everything you've done so much. Thank you, Thank you any times to be It's love being here every single frost mother. I knew that the

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