I didn't want to leave alone": Federer explains his choice to retire at the Laver Cup
The Swiss player shares in Andy Roddick's podcast the intense process that led to his retirement and how the idea of ending his career at a team event, the Laver Cup, softened this difficult moment.
Three years ago, Roger Federer said farewell in London at the Laver Cup. The Swiss player had announced a few days earlier his retirement from the world of tennis at the age of 41.
An event that gave way to beautiful celebrations during the weekend and offered images that all tennis fans remember. Present in San Francisco to attend the eighth edition of the exhibition, Federer made an appearance on the Served podcast with his former opponent Andy Roddick.
It was an opportunity for him to recall that moment and explain why he chose the Laver Cup for the last tournament of his career:
"It's a process that I experienced very intensely because I always knew that retirement was going to be difficult for me. Obviously because I love the sport, but also because it meant so much to the fans, the people who work behind the scenes, my family, and my friends in the tennis world.
It was going to be difficult, but I didn't know where to retire. My knee had become so painful, and I understood that I could no longer return. So, I took a break and almost gave up the sport. But I wondered: where is my retirement going to happen?
I thought about the US Open, the Basel tournament, or the Laver Cup in London. Something inside me was telling me that I didn't want to retire alone on the court. I've always been a team player at heart. Doing it in London, where I had a lot of success, was maybe like a sign.
I ended up doing it there hoping that it wouldn't be sad and disappointing. I just wanted it to be a joyful moment. It was much better than I thought. So yes, of course, returning to the Laver Cup brings back memories, especially next year when we will be in London.
