Nostalgia, memories and tennis have defined Roger Federer’s week, as the Swiss travelled to New York to attend the US Open and be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Both occasions reaffirm the legendary status Federer never imagined for himself.
“I didn’t have that kind of career vision for myself. I was dreaming about it, but in my dreams I didn’t dream that far. It was very basic: one step at a time,” he said at the press conference ahead of his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport.
Federer, buoyed by several emotional days at Flushing Meadows, reflected with pride on both his past and present.
“I’m always trying to have a humble approach to everything, but it sure is nice that if I can play on Arthur Ashe, like I did on Tuesday, there is a full crowd and I still have an effect on people to a certain level. Maybe it’s the kids nowadays who haven’t seen me play yet, but the parents say: ‘You’ve got to come watch Roger play, because that’s how I would like you to hit the backhand.’”
And what about the future? Federer left the door open to several possibilities, including a potential role as a coach on tour.
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“With the Laver Cup down the road, the captain role is definitely something I could consider. Coaching, at the minute, no — I’m too busy, the kids need my undivided attention, I have too many projects, and I love my time and my life with my wife. I don’t want to change that right now. But never say never. Stefan Edberg thought he was never going to coach, and then all of a sudden he was sucked into my world for two years,” he said.
When Carlos Alcaraz split from Juan Carlos Ferrero, several voices, including Mats Wilander, suggested Federer as a possible replacement. The Swiss immediately ruled out the possibility, but only now is it possible to understand why.
“To really have an impact as a coach, I feel like you need to put in at least 20 to 25 weeks on the road, and then be on standby whenever matches or Slams don’t go the way you hoped. That’s a big commitment — so let’s be honest, it’s a big maybe,” he said.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion was enthusiastic about the future, but also deeply grateful for the past. Although he said he regretted not being able to compete at more Olympic Games after London 2012, when he was only 30, he admitted to being at peace with his legacy. One that, in his view, also extended beyond the court.
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“I hope I helped drive the sport in the right direction, together with the leaders on the ATP side, with the Slams, through all the conversations we’ve had, and of course through my time on the player council, where I put in real effort. Prize money is so much higher than it ever was when I started. We’ve made huge strides not just for winners, but also at the first- and second-round level, so many more players can make a living from the game. I hope I played a part in that. The same goes for state-of-the-art stadiums and raising standards across the board — for media, players, physios, the whole ecosystem of our sport,” he said.
The former world No. 1’s induction ceremony will take place this Saturday, August 29, in Newport. He is perhaps the greatest men’s tennis player ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are sure to join him in the coming years, meaning the Big Three will reunite sooner or later. This time, for eternity.
