Tennis legend has new hobbies: Federer’s new life: golfer, diver and chauffeur

In his elegant dark suit, Roger Federer was the most sought-after man on the black carpet in Berlin. First, former national soccer player Bastian Schweinsteiger asked for a photo together, then it was the turn of retired tennis player Angelique Kerber. And Boris Becker and Steffi Graf’s husband Andre Agassi also joined the queue of interested people. No one wanted to miss a photo with the 20-time Grand Slam winner.

Federer is currently in Berlin in his role as ambassador for the Laver Cup. In the team competition, a European selection competes against a world team. “I’m enjoying my time here. After the Laver Cup, I’m going home. Then I’ll be a father and chauffeur again,” said the 43-year-old two years after his retirement.

The eight-time Wimbledon winner rarely takes to the court these days, but his love for the grass has never lost any of its intensity. “I’ve started playing golf. My children have started too, and so has my wife,” the former world number one told the German Press Agency, adding with a laugh: “It’s not good enough for a duel with Rafael Nadal yet.”

Check off tourist points in Berlin

Anyone who thought that Federer would get bored after his jet-set life and without the adrenaline rush in the world’s biggest tennis arenas is wrong. The father of four is developing new passions. “I’ve also started diving. I have a lot of time to go on really cool trips with my family and I travel a lot,” said Federer, looking visibly satisfied.

A highlight were the holidays in Vietnam and Thailand. The tennis legend will also use the few days in Berlin for a bit of sightseeing. “I have to tick a few tourist spots off my list now,” said the former grass specialist.

The tingling remains

Federer played his last match at the Laver Cup in 2022. The tingling sensation has remained. Like a curious young man, he inspected every corner of the dark court in Berlin. “It still feels like I ended my career five seconds ago.” “When I’m standing here on the court, I would love to pick up the racket and start playing right away,” said the fan favorite, reminiscing: “I’m having a lot of flashbacks right now.”

He doesn’t feel like an “alien” yet. “But it feels a bit wrong to step onto a court. It’s for players, not for pensioners,” said the 43-year-old as he gave interviews on the sidelines. The Swiss kept looking behind him, where Alexander Zverev and the Norwegian Casper Ruud were training. Both are part of Team Europe in the team competition, which is challenging the world selection led by US Open finalist Taylor Fritz.

“I can still do it”

Federer himself played four times at the Laver Cup. After more than two decades on the tour, he has now also become comfortable with his role as a spectator. The fact that the long-time rival of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic has not lost much of his talent was impressively demonstrated at a sponsor event.

His one-handed backhand is still as elegant as it was in his 103 titles on the ATP Tour. His serve-and-volley game is still as fluid as it was in his last Grand Slam victory in Australia in 2018. “I can still do it,” joked Federer. Only his fitness seems to have suffered a little. Exhausted, Federer sank onto the bench after a few minutes and puffed: “I’ll be going on vacation again soon.”

© dpa-infocom, dpa:240920-930-237861/2

This is a message directly from the dpa news channel.