"They didn't intervene when it wasn't necessary": Federer's advice to parents of young tennis players
From a very young age, Roger Federer was destined for an extraordinary future.
Yet, behind this legendary trajectory, a surprising truth stands out: his parents hardly ever accompanied him to the courts. Robert and Lynette played an essential role, but not the one we usually imagine for the parents of a future champion.
In a lengthy interview with "Tages-Anzeiger," Federer reflects on this unique sports upbringing:
"They didn't intervene when it wasn't necessary. I don't remember them visiting me often in Ecublens (Swiss National Tennis Center)... Maybe two or three times in two years."
Rather than getting involved in the training, his parents trusted the coaches on site, especially his mentor Pierre Paganini, providing a supportive presence behind the scenes without ever interfering.
At 44, a father of two sets of twins, Federer now finds himself in his parents' position. And the one most passionate about tennis is Leo, 11. But contrary to what one might think, Federer does not coach him personally:
"No. Someone else should do the coaching. I see myself more as a 'general manager' with Leo. I'm less concerned with results than with him having fun and progressing. Trust the coaches, as my parents did. But you still have to keep a finger on the pulse. Support our children so they learn to steer on their own."
According to him, the role of parents is neither to coach, nor to push, nor to impose. It is to guide the child toward autonomy, while remaining a reassuring yet vigilant presence.
