“Didn’t Like It When I Was Younger”: Roger Federer Shares Secret to His Longevity on Tour

Superstar Roger Federer is back again competing in the Grand Slam tournament that is closest to his heart at Wimbledon Championships 2021. After the event was canceled last year, the 39-year-old had been eagerly working on his fitness to be in prime condition in time for this magnanimous competition.

Recently, Federer spoke about the longevity of his career. There is a combination of various factors that come into play; however, the most important aspect is to still have the same passion for the game as he did when he first became a professional player.

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 29, 2021, Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action during his first round match against France’s Adrian Mannarino REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

The 20-time Grand Slam winner stated, “I love playing tennis, I love traveling around the world and I don’t even mind training anymore. I didn’t like it when I was younger, but now I’ve really started to enjoy everything that goes with [tennis]. I love my family and I love the tennis tour and if I can combine those things, it makes me a really happy person.”

Roger Federer has found the right balance 

In Federer’s case, he did not like training much in his younger days. However, with time, he developed a zeal for it. Besides, he is fond of traveling and visiting new cities. Traveling is, of course, unavoidable for professional tennis players given the schedule of the Tour. The balance he maintains between his family and the tennis Tour is key to him playing till this age. 

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 29, 2021, Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action during his first round match against France’s Adrian Mannarino Pool via REUTERS/David Gray

Federer began his journey at the All England Club yesterday and won his opening round match after a slight scare. He was trailing two sets to one when his opponent injured himself after slipping on the grass. After that, the Swiss ace clinched the fourth set, and having played just one point in the fifth set, his opponent retired.

The Basel-born player will be facing Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the second round tomorrow at the Wimbledon Championships. It will be interesting to see how the former World No. 1 player performs in this duel. 

Watch this story: Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray: First Strike at Wimbledon Championship 2021

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