Roger Federer faced persistent questions regarding the possibility of a dramatic tennis comeback while he was at the Shanghai Masters on Friday. However, the tennis legend firmly stated that he is content with his retirement.
After picking up a serious knee injury in 2020, Federer played only another handful of competitive matches before he brought the curtain down on his brilliant tennis career after the 2022 Laver Cup.
Twelve months into retirement – and with his knee now almost 100% again – the 20-time Grand Slam winner was asked about making a return to competitive tennis during an interview alongside Chinese great Li Na and rising star Zhang Zhizhen in Shanghai.
“I’m extremely happily retired,” he replied. “For me, no, no, there’s no coming back. I had an absolute blast on the Tour. I feel like I took the lemon and I squeezed it out ’til the last drop. I gave it all I had and there was none left.”
And while his fans will not see him play competitively again, the 42-year-old has vowed to play exhibition matches, including in Shanghai in future.
The Swiss said: “Now I’m just a super tennis fan like all of you. But what a journey it’s been… it’s been incredible. Of course I miss those moments but now another chapter has begun and the last year has been terrific.
“Now, less tennis (for myself), more tennis with the children but I hope down the road I can play an exhibition match here in Shanghai and around the world so I can play in front of you all again.”
Federer added during the Icon Athlete award ceremony: “I want to enjoy the night life. I have to be a little bit careful to not overdo it. If anyone has good recommendations for restaurants and bars, let me know.”
The former world No 1 has certainly made the most of his time away from tennis over the past year as he and his family holidayed in Lesotho earlier in 2023 while they were also on the grid for the Miami Grand Prix in the United States. Federer himself also attended Coldplay and Jonas Brothers concerts while he also visited Vancouver, Canada, for the Laver Cup.
In an interview in September he stated: “It’s good with the way my life is right now. The Tour was good to me. I loved every moment, but I am happy with my life now.
“It’s been beautiful to be home more. Spending time with friends and family has been incredible.
“Days are long but at the same time, I feel I don’t have enough time because I pack my schedule up.
“Four kids will do that to you as well. I am a professional driver nowadays, organiser and logistics man. It is a test on another level.”
