Roger Federer expressed that remaining engaged with tennis post-retirement has helped him avoid feeling 'like an alien' as he prepares for this week's Laver Cup in Berlin. Federer, who co-founded the tournament, retired at the Laver Cup in London two years ago and has since continued his involvement as an ambassador.
'I'm glad I returned to some tournaments right away,' the 43-year-old told reporters. 'I feel I quickly adjusted, and when I visit tennis venues, I still feel I belong there. I don't feel like an outsider, which is positive because it's easy to feel that way.' He added, 'People and players ask, 'What are you doing here?' and I think, 'Exactly—if you keep talking like that, I might never come back.' I'm pleased I can still feel at ease in such settings because it would be much simpler to stay home, get comfortable there, and realize I don't need to be on tour anymore.'
The 20-time Grand Slam champion lauded Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, looking ahead to next year's Australian Open. Federer also expressed hope for his contemporaries Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, both of whom will be absent from the Laver Cup. 'With Rafa, we don't know—it remains to be seen. It's challenging for me to predict Rafa's future due to his limited tennis this year. Novak, on the other hand, winning the Olympics and playing a full season—he didn't withdraw due to injuries; he chose to play less, which is normal as you age,' he said. 'I believe he has opportunities moving forward. I look forward to Australia, the next Slam. I think he'll definitely be one of the favorites alongside Sinner and Alcaraz. The Australian Open story will be fascinating to follow.'
Nadal withdrew from the Laver Cup due to injury, but his compatriot Alcaraz will participate as a member of Team Europe against Team World. German Alexander Zverev will also play for Team Europe, and Federer noted that Zverev was 'so close' to winning a Grand Slam but needed to be more aggressive in crucial moments. 'I see someone playing too passively, too defensively when it matters most. I think he needs to remind himself to not be too passive, and then, honestly, something great could happen for him,' Federer said. Team Europe won the first four events, starting in 2017, but Team World has won the past two.
