20-time GS champion Roger Federer has revealed that he still follows tennis closely and believes the change of guard of tennis by new generation is noticeable.
The Swiss maestro believes tennis currently in good hands and expressed his disappointment that he has not been able to face some of the rising stars on the circuit. Roger is currently busy with the 2023 Laver Cup responsibilities in Vancouver, Canada that will be held from 22 to 24 September.
It will be the six edition of the exhibition team competition featuring players from two teams i.e., Europe and rest of the world. Federer is the founder of the indoor hardcourt event that was introduced in 2017. In the five installments of the singles and Double rubber’s event, Federer’s Team Europe leads’ the series 4-1 against the Team World.
Federer represented the Europeans at four Laver Cups and announced retirement from tennis after the conclusion of 2022 edition where he paired with his frenemy Rafael Nadal in doubles for the final match of his 24-year illustrious career.
Talking to Eurosport ahead of 2023 Laver Cup, the former world No. 1 discussed the emergence of a new generational talent taking over the sport.
“A lot still going on in tennis of course, as always. The records will always tumble. Or just the stories always rewritten. And just for example the US Open was great with the record (24 Grand Slam titles) of course by Novak Djokovic,” said the Swiss.
“And of course I was also very happy about Coco Gauff’s victory. I’ve known her for five years, when she was very young, and this was a great victory for her. We have a new world No 1 in women’s tennis (Aryna Sabalenka), Alcaraz, who won Wimbledon.
“And just the new generational change is really noticeable. It’s a bit of a shame for me that I haven’t been able to play against a few [of the young players] in the last couple of years. But I think it’s great what’s going on in tennis at the moment and I still follow it very, very closely
“I think it’s still going well, not that there would somehow be a slump after I retired or that Rafa is injured at the moment. The story continues and that will always be the case.
“Tennis will always be played by new players but at the same time, the way I see these players moving on the court now is unbelievable. And I think many more will come. The new players have interesting personalities and tennis is still right up there in the world of sport, and that is beautiful for me to see.”
The Swiss legend also divulged how he has been spending his post-retirement life.
“I’m surprised how much I actually still have going on. I was thinking, so okay, you stop and then there’s nothing left to do. But it’s not like that at all,” added the 42-year-old
“I’m still very busy with all my partners together or then also for the foundation I’m travelling a lot, was also in Africa for the first time, in Lesotho, with the family. That was absolutely great.
“Then, of course, I was also at the UN right now, working for early learning in the world and especially in southern Africa, so that hopefully more children can go to school, because that needs a lot more money and a lot more opportunities from the big countries.
“And I’m committed to that and then I’m designing shoes, clothes, tennis racquets. So I’m still fully involved and I’m always very happy when there’s a new project for me.”