‘Potentially Against the Federation’- Roger Federer’s Huge Decision on Pulling off a Rafael Nadal-Inspired Feat Post Retirement

Roger Federer, the 20 times Grand Slam champion, is a down-to-earth person. He spent his entire career on the elite list of the ATP. However, the taste of being superior never landed on his palate. He kept himself humble throughout his 24-year-long career and still is doing the same.

Federer made his first appearance since his farewell match at the Laver Cup. With a big smile, he played the exhibition match in Tokyo and spoke about his plans at the post-match conference.

Roger Federer isn’t interested in starting an academy of his own

The Swiss maestro, unlike his biggest rival and best friend Rafael Nadal, has decided to keep his distance from forging an academy. “I am like a product of the Swiss tennis federation, so I think I will always have that with me. That’s why it’s hard to create my own academy,” he said.

Thereafter he added, “I feel like that would go, maybe potentially, against the federation who I am too close to. I think with the next gen development program here at Uniqlo I will be doing more mentorship and more inspirational kids’ day clinic.” 

The former World No 1 has been in a partnership with the Japanese clothing company, Uniqlo, for a long time. Therefore, he attended the event arranged by the company. Federer played alongside the World No 1 in men’s wheelchair tennis, Shingo Kunieda. He and Kunieda locked horns with a team comprising the British World No 4 in men’s wheelchair tennis, Gordon Reid, and the former WTA No 32, Kurumi Nara.

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Further, the match held in Ariake Coliseum was officiated by the Olympic gold medalist Kei Nishikori. The Japanese star had a fun interaction with his former on-court friend regarding his Rolex watch in the tussle that ended with an 8-6 tiebreaker favoring Federer and Kunieda.

How Federer’s career came to an end?

The 41-year-old, pestered by a knee injury, decided to step out of the circuit and opt for surgery. After his Wimbledon quarterfinal defeat against Hubert Hurkacz, he announced a year-long break for the same. Federer underwent two surgeries and was looking forward to a banger comeback. In fact, the 10 times champion even signed up for the home-based ATP 500 event Swiss Indoors Basel.

However, his body demanded rest and was in no state of the pressure of professional tennis. Therefore, with a heavy heart, he decided to say goodbye. Federer played his last match under the banner of Team Europe at the O2 arena. 

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He, alongside the 22 times Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal, played a three-set long doubles match against Team World’s Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. Thereafter, with teary eyes, he gave his final speech and packed his illustrious career.