Roger Federer is the greatest of all time. The Swiss has become the first man to win 20 Grand Slam single titles. Despite having a lot of rivals in tennis, the eight-time Wimbledon champion thanked rivals like Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and others for what he had done.
“At one point you tip your hat you’re very good. I take joy after realizing you cannot just be alone at the top. You need rivals. I’m thankful to these guys, to make me a better player.” Federer said.
“In the 80s and 90s, a few guys really could not stand each other. It was a very friendly locker room already, so I guess I just maintained that.
“Something I care deeply about is that young guys are welcomed nicely on to the tour, and they realise, this is going to be fun, buddy, and, we, the top guys, are cool.” Federer added.
Being a father is a challenge for Federer as a tennis athlete so far. He admitted that his children need his full attention after playing a match outside.
“I always feel like I’m wearing two watches, one on myself and one of the family, because I know their schedules inside out.” Federer said.
“I know when they’re going to bed, when I’m at the tennis. I know I can quickly face time them before they go to bed, 45 minutes before I play. I come back [home] after winning a match or tournament, or losing, and they’re like, ‘Hey, can you play Lego with me?’, and I’m like, ‘Let’s do it.’ Fine, I sometimes sit there and my match is going through my mind, but I am trying to give full attention to my son.” Federer said.
“I never saw in my vision, as a little boy, winning Wimbledon and then going to play with my children. So this is quite surreal.” he added.
Speaking after winning his 10th title in Halle with victory over David Goffin, Federer said he is not overly bothered by the prospect of being second seed at Wimbledon ahead of Rafael Nadal but feel it will help in his planning.
“It might make no difference if Rafa is in my section. I guess you could say I avoid Novak in the semis. But at the end of the day that is so far away.” Federer said.
