Very excited to be finally able to share that I teamed up with
@scambers73
to write «The Roger Federer Effect». Through more than 40 in-depth interviews we show how
@rogerfederer
changed the game and many lives. Out on Oct 31st, available for preorder now.
I’ve had the chance to talk to Severin Lüthi about
@rogerfederer
. A few excerpts. About the decision to retire: «He just did not make enough progress. He's 41, been on the tour for so long, he's played over 1500 matches. His retirement is a combination of these factors.» (1/8)
I had the opportunity to watch the documentary ‘Twelve Final Days’ about
@rogerfederer
before its release. My takeaways:
1) Get your handkerchiefs ready! It gets emotional and there's a lot of crying. (1/10)
Today,
@rogerfederer
opened one of 31 nature-oriented playgrounds in Switzerland that
@rogerfedererfdn
financed. 69 more will follow. I spoke to him about his comeback plans. He sounds optimstic: "I haven't planned more than the Laver Cup and Basel yet." (1/6) 📷Remo Inderbitzin
My dear colleague
@staffsky
met
@rogerfederer
at the
@lavercup
for a round table interview with Swiss media. The most important statements here.
On the time before retirement: «In the two or three weeks before, I had a stomach ache. Because I postponed everything.» (1/10)
There has been wild speculation about
@rogerfederer
recently. To put these to rest, he called my dear colleague
@maeschmann
and spoke openly for the first time about his recovery after his third knee operation and his goals. Some quotes by Roger follow (a thread) (1/12):
I asked
@rogerfederer
if we will still see him on tour at 40. «It’s not impossible», he said with a smile. «A few years ago, I wouldn’t have thought that could be possible. But when you feel fully fit like I do right now, you think you can play forever.»
#USOpen2019
#rogerfederer
Interesting quotes by
@rogerfederer
from Halle (a thread). About his family time: «I spend time with the family differently. I'm more relaxed because I know I have more days or more hours available. But I was always with the family, even if it was a huge logistical task.» (1/10)
«He talks to everyone in the dressing room. It doesn't matter who it is. He's all about the person. Sure, his successes won't be forgotten soon. But I think the human aspect is even more important. What I also find very positive: knowing he won't turn his back on tennis.» (8/8)
“Now Rafa won the French Open 14 times. That's unbelievable. I was happy for him that he did it again. Hats off to Rafa. After the tenth, eleventh time, I already thought: This can't be. He keeps raising the bar. It's gigantic.” (6/6)
His legacy? «I think many will remember him primarily as a nice person. That's more important than if you won one title more or less. His kindness, how he behaved towards the other players. Roger has contributed to the fact that players treat each other with more respect.» (7/8)
Some more
@rogerfederer
: “My biggest wish is to finish my career on my terms. As I’ve said before, it doesn't have to be a fairytale ending, it doesn't have to be a Wimbledon victory, and then I’ll walk away. Sure, that would be amazing.” 1/6
I asked
@rogerfederer
whether unfamiliar defeats like the one against Pablo Andujar in Geneva hurt his motivation. Interesting answer: «Such defeats are unfortunately part of the process. I knew I'd have to take the risk of early defeats if I came back now.» (1/4)
Asked
@rogerfederer
about the RF logo. He confirmed the rights will come back to him at the beginning of next year. In February or March. No concrete plans yet how he will use it.
#USOpen
#RogerFederer
A sad day for tennis. But let's appreciate the journey
@rogerfederer
has taken us on over the last 20+ years. And from what I've heard, Roger is totally at peace with his decision and upbeat. We don't have to worry about him.
He also spoke about Nadal’s victory: “I didn't watch the final, I watched the quarter-final (against Djokovic) a bit before I went to sleep. In general, it's just unbelievable what Rafa has achieved. The record of Pete Sampras, which I beat, was 14 Grand Slam titles.” (5/6)
It was beautiful to release the news surrounded by my Mum and Dad and Mirka. Who would have thought that the journey would last this long. Just incredible!
What a way to say goodbye:
@rogerfederer
invited 280 of his most loyal fans on a cruise on Lake Lucerne. They came from all over the world. They could all chat with him and have their picture taken with him. Roger spent the whole afternoon on the ship.
Sad news: Peter Lundgren, the former coach of
@rogerfederer
,
@stanwawrinka
and many other great players, had to have his left foot amputated due to an infection. Wishing him a speedy recovery and lots of courage in this difficult time. Stay strong, Peter! 💪🍀
This is, what
@rogerfederer
said in Swiss German: «First of all, I need time to analyse everything well. And to let everyone (in the team) have their say. And to think about: Was it as good as I thought? Worse? How should the journey continue?» (1/4)
Few people know
@rogerfederer
as well as Marc Rosset. I spoke to him about Roger's withdrawal. He said: «You can't accuse Roger of not having done much for tennis. And I think he always upholds fair play. Even in this situation. He could also have said he hurt his shoulder.»(1/5)
«My world will not collapse if I never play in another Grand Slam final. But it is my ultimate dream to return once again. And in fact, I still believe in it. I believe in these kinds of miracles. I have already experienced them.» (12/12)
At the Sports Awards,
@rogerfederer
says: "I would love to be in Australia. But it will be very tight with my knee. I don't want to take the next step until I'm ready. These 3 weeks might help me a bit. The summer with
@Wimbledon
, the
@Olympics
and the
@usopen
is my priority."
«It would be harder for me if he was totally devastated. How he processes the whole thing helps me, too. Roger has called me two or three times today to ask how I'm doing. He's always thinking about the others, too. He's fine, he's with his family.» (3/8)
His best memories: «Spontaneously, I would say the last Wimbledon title (2017), his comeback in Australia (2017) when nobody expected him to win, the Davis Cup victory in Lille (2014), and Olympic gold in doubles with Stan Wawrinka (2008 in Beijing). And Paris (2009).» (6/8)
In the next days,
@rogerfederer
will meet with his team and his doctor. Hasn’t started practice yet. My guess: He’ll skip the
@usopen
, try to take part in the
@LaverCup
(play doubles) and end the season early. Then try to build up for the
@AustralianOpen
, if his knee permits it.
A new TV documentary about
@rogerfederer
surrounding the "Match in Africa" in Cape Town. I was allowed to watch it already. Exciting insights, especially about Federer's relationship with South Africa and his parents. Best supporting role:
@RafaelNadal
($)
«But I understand the fans' feelings. It would be easy for me to say, "I've given a lot and received a lot. Let's stop here." But me investing everything to come back is also my way of saying thank you. My fans deserve better than the image of my last grass season.» (11/12)
How did the children react? «They were very emotional. Three out of four cried. They asked: Are we not going to Halle, to Wimbledon, to Indian Wells anymore? I said: Not really. But if you want, we can go again.» (10/10)
«I think we should now focus not only on the end of his career but above all on everything he achieved. All these beautiful successes. People should not only be sad but also happy about all the things they could experience with Roger.» (4/8)
About the Laver Cup: «He will try to play. Whether that's in singles or doubles, we'll see. He wants to be on the team and try to play. Roger doesn't want to put himself above the Laver Cup. But I think the reactions will be overwhelming. There will be chicken skin moments.»(5/8)
In Lenzerheide,
@rogerfederer
said an interview with
@srfsport
at the women’s Super G Race: “I am entering the phase in which I can start to think about the comeback. I had a very good MRI a few weeks ago. That made me very optimistic.” (1/4)
Not many know
@rogerfederer
better than Heinz Günthardt, former coach of Steffi Graf. A few excerpts of my interview with him: «Given his preparation, the quarter-final is a good result. But Wimbledon was not a step forward after Paris. He already had that level there.» (1/8)
His feelings towards it: «Roger makes it easy for us. Of course, it was an emotional decision for him. Otherwise, he would never have been able to achieve so much at this level. There's a lot of passion behind it. But he is always so positive about everything.» (2/8)
After his epic win,
@rogerfederer
is considering withdrawing from
@rolandgarros
. He says: «The question is: Why take a risk if I don't have to? I have to remind myself: Why am I here? And what is my goal for the season? It's not to win the French Open.» His priority is Wimbledon.
Interesting news: According to
@Forbes
,
@rogerfederer
will get his RF logo back in the coming months. Will be interesting to see how
@UniqloUSA
will use it.
A song for
@rogerfederer
from the schoolkids im Emmen, Lucerne, after the opening of the new playground, funded by
@rogerfedererfdn
. Do you recognize the song with lyrics in Swiss German?
Talked to Mats Wilander after the epic final. He said: "
@rogerfederer
can take a lot of positives from this tournament. He showed he can still win the US Open. And the Australian Open. And next year’s Wimbledon. He is better that two years ago. Which is unbelievable ...
Some quotes by
@rogerfederer
in Swiss German: «I am somewhat surprised I won. But I was even more surprised two weeks ago when I started to play sets with Dan and realised I could hang with him. So much has happened in the last weeks and months. What a wonderful comeback!» (1/3)
After his five set win at the
@AustralianOpen
,
@stanwawrinka
confessed he had been sick for last two days, spent all that time in bed and had to throw up twice during the match. Still he came through, being down a break in the fifth. What a fighter!
What else are his plans? «I never thought I would say this. But six months ago I suddenly thought: commentating on tennis someday, who knows? Although I always said I would never do that. But so to commentate on some matches at Wimbledon…» (8/10)
Good news for tennis:
@rogerfederer
will be back on tour in Doha, starting on March 8th. He confirms this in an exclusive interview with
@srfsport
. «I wanted to make my comeback at a smaller tournament, so I wouldn't be in the spotlight too much and the stress would be less.» 1/4
It was great interviewing
@denis_shapo
at the
@SwissOpenGstaad
. He shared an interesting story about
@rogerfederer
: «There's a saying that you shouldn't be meeting your idols because then you'll think less of them. It’s actually the opposite with Roger.» (1/6)
A devastated
@rogerfederer
said to me: «I have a good idea what the injury is. It’s something that will bother me today, tomorrow and the day after tommorrow. Then it will be okay. That makes it even more disappointing that I didn’t find a way today.»
#rogerfederer
#USOpen19
Not sure, how serious he was. But
@rogerfederer
ends with the words: "I hope there is still something to see from me next year. But if that was it, that would have been an incredible ending for me at these Sports Awards." Personally, I am sure he'll do everything to be
@wimbledon
The second part of my extensive interview with
@rogerfederer
is published now. About how he deals with criticism, how he uses his role as a public figure, his relationship with South Africa and how he feels next to
@BillGates
(Abo +):
A few excerpts below.
An upbeat
@rogerfederer
after his loss: «It was the confirmation that we're on the right path. I come out of this match feeling okay. I hoped I would feel like that after two competitive matches. After 14 months, with or without injury, you'll always be a little bit sore.» (1/5)
I am very happy to announce that we will publish a revised and updated version of my book about
@rogerfederer
in fall. 🎉 With five new chapters, at first in German only. How do you like the new cover? 😀 Stay safe, everyone!
Talked to Tony Godsick, the manager of
@rogerfederer
. He says, contrary to reports that fans in Bogotà won't be refunded for the cancelled exho: «Either we'll find a new date or the fans will get the money back.» Hopes to have a new date soon, possibly spring next to Miami Open.
Does he want to return to the tour in 2023, if his knee plays along? “Yes, definitely. How and where, I don't know yet. But that would be the idea. Definitely.” (4/6)
Another knee surgery, terrible news for
@rogerfederer
and all his fans. That is exactly what he wanted to avoid. Maybe he's aiming for one last
@Wimbledon
. But he made clear that his priority is to be healthy after his career. He'll be needed as a dad of four active children.
Will Mirka be the centre of attention now? «I'm sure she will be. The last few years were hard for me, but I think they were even harder for her. She really didn't enjoy watching me anymore, with all the injuries. I felt kind of sorry for her.» (9/10)
According to Severin Lüthi,
@rogerfederer
is on track with his recovery. He has started his physical training with fitness coach Pierre Paganini and will begin to hit 🎾 mid August. No word yet on where he’ll stage his comeback next year. Lots of uncertainty also due to Covid-19.
«As far as my sporting ambitions are concerned: I want to see once again what I can achieve as a tennis pro. I'm fighting for it and I'm very motivated. I feel the support of my team and my family. We all wish that I can say goodbye on my own terms and on a court.» (7/12)
His difficult comeback in 2021: «It was tough, the whole comeback was extremely difficult. I was so far from 100 percent. Reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon was unbelievable for me. The last set against Hurkacz was one of the worst hours of my career.» (6/10)
«Especially in defence, when it gets complicated against the best. I felt that today. I tried everything. I am satisfied with what I did at this tournament. I would have liked to achieve more, but it just wasn't possible.» (4/4)
Will we see him on the court again? «I would like to keep doing exhibition matches and I know that I still have the chance to fill stadiums. It doesn't always have to be 52,000 like in Cape Town.» (7/10)
Not only did
@stanwawrinka
beat
@CasperRuud98
in Basel, but he also confirmed to me that he‘s back together with
@normansweden
. „He knows me best. We would like to write the ending of this book together.“
So excited that my book about
@rogerfederer
is available in English now! It sounds even better in the global language of tennis. :-)
Available on Amazon.
On a more positive note for
@rogerfederer
: He is elected greatest athlete in Switzerland since 1950 with 49,1 per cent of the votes, ahead of cross country skier Dario Cologna (12,2 %) and downhill skier Pirmin Zurbriggen (12 %).
«What kind of image will people remember of me? My last set at Wimbledon last July? Or my Grand Slam titles and what it triggered in them when they watched me play? My money is on the latter. For a few years now, I've been pretty relaxed about that.» (10/12)
«I have experienced similar challenges many times in my career. Sometimes without the public being aware of it. And even though I know that the end is near, I want to try to play some big matches again. It won't be easy, but I will try.» (8/12)
“And how the results were. But I haven't set a day X when it will be over. I just hope that everything will go well with the knee. I still have many wishes. I will just give it my all. I hope I can give the fans beautiful victories again and some beautiful emotions.” 6/6
It was great talking to
@rogerfederer
after quite some time. He took his time with Swiss reporters after speaking to the international media. I've written down most of it in German. You may easily translate it online. Interesting insights. (for free🙂)
“After Basel, the season is over anyway. It's important for me to get fit again so that I can train fully. Once I've done that, I can choose how many tournaments I play and where. The Laver Cup is a good start, I don't have to play five matches in six days.” (2/6)
About his interest in tennis: «What surprises me is how interested I am in the results. I don't watch many matches, but the highlights interest me enormously. I check the scores three or four times a day. I'm glad that tennis still interests me so much.» (7/10)
«I had this operation done so that I could ski with my children or play football or tennis in the future. My primary motivation was to get back in shape for my normal life. But I wanted to approach this rehabilitation with the mentality and body of a top athlete.» (6/12)
«That's why I have to go through it. These defeats mustn't throw me off track. I have to stay positive, trust my path. Even if it may look strange to some people, to journalists or experts. But that doesn't bother me.» (4/4)
About the Laver Cup: «I am quite surprised how well I am playing in practice here. But it was already clear beforehand that I would only play doubles, probably on Friday evening. That's why playing the Swiss Indoors in Basel was no longer an option.» (4/10)
About retirement: «I think that every athlete should decide for himself. There is no right time to retire. There is only the time that suits each individual athlete. It is a very personal decision.» (9/12)
When did he take the decision? «A few days after Wimbledon, in July. The knee just wasn't progressing anymore. I asked myself: what's the point? We had been on thin ice for a long time. I know it's the right decision, the only good decision.» (3/10)
About his return: «I would be incredibly surprised if I were to play again already at Wimbledon (2022). Australia is not an option at all. But that's no surprise for me. Even before the operation, we knew that a break of many months would be necessary afterwards.» (2/12)
“I will have be able to do that in Basel. That's why I have to prepare for it in practice. I'm curious myself what's still to come. But I'm hopeful, I've come a long way. I'm not far away. The next three or four months will be extremely important.” (3/6)
«Tony (Godsick) almost went crazy because I took so much time. Since it's out, I'm better. Writing the letter took a lot of energy. It was very moving, especially for my parents and Mirka. In the meantime I can talk about the resignation easily, I didn't expect that.» (2/10)
I was just in contact with Tony Godsick, the manager of
@rogerfederer
. I asked him if his back allows Roger play at the
@LaverCup
in two weeks' time: His answer: "Roger has indicated that he will be fit to play in Geneva."
#RogerFederer
#USOpen
I hate to destroy the narrative. But
@rogerfederer
would have definitely played at the
@AustralianOpen
had he been fit to compete at the level he wished for. I am quite optimstic, though, he will play in Dubai mid March.
André Sá, Australian Open director of player relations.
“And then he said, ‘Dude, 39, four kids, 20 Grand Slams. I am no longer in time to be away from my family for five weeks.'”
Interesting what
@rogerfederer
said to me about his preparation for the
@usopen
. He picked the hottest days for his toughest practices: „I was wasted after those practices, but I am much better prepared for the heat than last year.“
#RogerFederer
#USOpen2019
Ahead of the
@LaverCup
,
@rogerfederer
said to Swiss media: "It's a big satisfaction for me being able to continue playing with age. I will try to compete for more major titles. Amazing that three players in the same era have achieved so much. It's a fantastic time for tennis."
His timetable: «The doctors say that I will be able to jog lightly in January and gradually return to the court. Gently. They don't know, but I've already been playing a bit of tennis with the kids. Then in March or April, I can start training again in a tennis-like way.» (5/12)
How good is the knee? «Hopefully good enough for doubles. In July, I started to cut down on practice more and more, but still wanted to stay in shape.» He doesn’t want to reveal any details about the knee. He says that a «private matter». (5/10)
«I wanted to wait for the first major check-up before making a public statement, and the check-up was very encouraging. I have started a long rehabilitation process in which I put all my heart and soul. But the situation is not the same as in 2016. I have to be patient.» (3/13)
Will
@rogerfederer
pull off another miraculous comeback like in 2017? Most in the tennis world hope so. But he’s way behind schedule compared to four years ago. He profits from the
@australianopen
starting three weeks late. Our story. (Abo, in German)
6) The relationship with Rafa is special, which is also evident in the documentary. Rafa immediately said yes to the Laver Cup when Roger told him he would retire. And when Roger has found his smile again in the dressing room after the doubles match, Rafa is still crying. (6/10)
«After these hard 18 months and this first round (against Mannarino), I'm glad I made it to the quarter-finals. The danger is there that you lose early, the body doesn't cooperate or the head. I was able to prove a lot to myself.» (2/4)
About his On shoes: «When the contract with Nike ended, they asked me if they could build a tennis shoe for me. That doesn’t happen over night. I was able to move really well in them. It’s a big moment for On, but also for me playing in a tennis shoe built in Switzerland.» (3/3)
2) It's wonderful that Mirka has given an interview after almost 20 years. It's touching to hear her talk about how much she enjoyed watching Roger play. And how happy she is to have met him and to spend her life with him. It is a moving declaration of love to her husband. (2/10)
«But in the end, I realised that something was still missing. The wind certainly played a small role today. The footwork should have been better in these conditions. I can't yet move as well as I would like to.» (3/4)
«So many players withdraw and invent some injury. Roger didn't do that, he openly told it like it is. Of course, his forfeit is a shock for people. Especially since it's a Grand Slam. But when you come back after 15 months and 2 knee operations, at 39, it's a special case.» (2/5)
Conclusion: A very enjoyable documentary, which was to be expected given the filmmakers. It revolves a little too much around the Laver Cup. More insights into his family life, as at the beginning, would have been exciting. But definitely recommended to every tennis fan. (10/10)
«I hope we will see him again in Australia. Of course, it's crucial that he doesn't have any setbacks physically and feels that he's reaching a certain level. If that is the case, I see no reason why he should stop this year. He has invested so much to come back again.» (5/5)
Will he commentate on TV? «First I thought it would be cool to comment on matches of the generation of players I played against. I know them best. But becoming a commentator in the year after my retirement didn't feel right. Maybe I will commentate one day, maybe never.» (10/10)