‘You’re Weak’ – 41-Year-Old Roger Federer Opens Up for the First Time About the Declining Mental Health in Young Tennis Players

Roger Federer, the 20 times Grand Slam champion’s journey, tells the story of how tennis changed for good. He started his career when most of the world labeled those athletes who talk about mental health as weak. And by the end, he witnessed more awareness and acceptance in the sporting world regarding the same issue.

Federer has seen the change in mindset over the years. However, playing throughout the season is still isn’t child’s play. The pressure still exists and is exhausting as the competition keeps getting better. Here’s what the Swiss Maestro recently said about the rigorous demands of the Tour.

Roger Federer about what players go through on the ATP and WTA Tour

Federer recently made his first on-court appearance post retirement. He played in an exhibition match arranged by his long-time brand partner Uniqlo and in the press conference of the same disclosed the issue faced by athletes currently on the Tour. “The tour is tough. It’s tough to stay on the tour,” he said.

Thereafter he explained, “You know travel, practice, jetlag. Nobody is allowed to say I’m tired today. Because it looks like you’re weak. That’s why players end up having sometimes mental problems because you are always supposed to show strength.”

“But we are also not machines, you know. We are also just human beings.” Players like the four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and Belinda Bencic have voiced their thoughts and have taken breaks to safeguard their mental well-being.

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However, their subpar performance in the following season gave several critics the opportunity to label such moves as a sign of weakness. The debate has been active for a long time now. Though Federer weighing in might force some people to reevaluate their thoughts about mental health.

What did Federer while taking a break from the ATP Tour?

The former World no.1 stayed on the sidelines for around a year before finally coming to the conclusion that his body was in no state to carry the burden of professional tennis. He, during his break, underwent two knee surgeries and, while in the recovery phase, made some visits.

Federer first traveled to Malawi to see the progress that the Roger Federer Foundation has made in the country. He shared his story and had conversations with children over there. Thereafter, he went on a trip to Rome and later attended the 100th anniversary of Wimbledon‘s Centre Court.

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Dressed in a black suit, the eight-time Wimbledon champion attended the event with other legends of the sport and the eventual champion, Novak Djokovic. Now that the Swiss Maestro has retired from professional tennis, we could see him playing in many charitable tournaments in the coming months.