Roger Federer hopes Rafael Nadal can retire ‘on his own terms’

Tennis great Roger Federer says he hopes his former rival Rafael Nadal can retire from the sport “on his own terms” after the Spaniard’s recent struggle with injury.

Nadal has not played competitive tennis since he injured a hip muscle in his Australian Open second-round defeat to Mackenzie McDonald in January. The 22-time grand slam champion said in May that next season will be his last on the tour.

Federer was plagued by injuries in the final years of his career. He overcame knee surgery once to bounce back and win three more grand slams before further injuries finally got the better of him.

In the end, Federer was only fit enough to finish his remarkable career by teaming up with Nadal at the Laver Cup in London and the Swiss superstar hopes his old rival and friend can be more competitive in his senior year.

“I mean, all of us: [Andy] Murray, [Novak] Djokovic, Nadal and I, I think the four of us when I retired were all sitting there crying because I retired — or because of the music, who knows,” Federer told CNN’s Christina Macfarlane, referring to pop singer Ellie Goulding , who sang “Still Falling For You” and “Fire and Ice” at that emotional farewell at the O2 Arena.

“Everyone had their own reasons why they cried. I think you realize how lucky we are that we are still playing in this later stage of our careers because tennis players used to retire at 30 years old. I mean, 26 before [Björn] Deposit, 32 for [Pete] Sampras, 36 for [Andre] Agassi. This was like I was playing deep and now we’re all around 35-40 here.

“We all know how lucky we are and so I think Rafa knew that too. So I see him going through this more difficult period now, obviously I’ve been there and I just hope he can leave on his terms [and] he can still play a little bit.

“I still hope that we will not only see the doubles like I did, but more than that. I still believe that will happen.”

‘INCREDIBLE STUFF’

Heading into Wimbledon, few fans – if any – will bet that Djokovic successfully defended his title at this year’s tournament.

The Serb looked his best on grass in his uncomplicated win over Pedro Cachín in the first round and another title in SW19 would tie Federer’s records of five consecutive Wimbledon crowns – jointly held with Borg – and eight overall.

Federer believes Djokovic is the “big, big favourite” this year and welcomes the 23-time Grand Slam champion breaking his records and setting new standards in the sport.

“Honestly, I think it’s great for him,” Federer said. “I had my moments. For me, after I won my eighth or my fifth in a row or whatever, that was my moment. So if someone matches or passes that, this is their thing, their moment.

“I know it’s both media and player driven these days. I was also driven by trying to break records, match records, but I think when you sit back you have a totally different perspective because you’re not in it anymore. You start to relax, just very proud of your achievements.

“So I hope he does to be honest because I think everything else he does adds to tennis history beyond just talking about tennis. He’s involved in global sports, like when he got to 23 in Paris. This is incredible stuff. Good news and it’s good for the game. So I think he’s the big favorite and I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins Wimbledon again.”

FEDERER THE COACH?

Since retiring, Federer has become something of a part-time coach for his four kids – not that they always like to listen to his advice.

As he settles into family life away from the demands of a professional tennis player, constantly traveling the world and spending little time at home, returning to the tour as a full-time coach is not currently something that appeals to the 41-year-old. -old.

However, pointing to the change of heart his former coach Stefan Edberg had, it’s not something Federer completely rules out.

“I think the coaching on the tour as we know it, I think, is difficult for me,” Federer said. “With four kids at the age of, twin boys nine now and twin girls 14, I want to be there for them and I honestly don’t see myself going on tour.

“If it’s mentoring or if someone comes to Switzerland and says, ‘Look, let’s have a good week’, I can see that happening in the future. I mean, Stefan Edberg never thought he was going to coach and he ended up touring with me for two years.

Reflecting on the emergence of new tennis star and world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, Federer predicted a bright future for the 19-year-old Spaniard.

“I think he’s going to achieve incredible, great things in the future, which means multiple slams,” Federer said.

“It will be interesting for me especially to see how he plays at Wimbledon and especially the first couple of matches… it’s soft, it’s slippery. Before you know it, you’re not playing very well, and then things get tough.

“But I think he has all the tools, so I think he has a lot of different ways to win games, and I think that’s what the champions are made of.”