Roger Federer is still 'scared' by the knee injury that forced him to bring an end to his storied tennis career.
The Swiss icon admitted he was forced to finally 'listen to his body' after announcing his retirement before the Laver Cup in September. Federer had spent almost two years sidelined by knee issues, and realised he 'stopped believing' over a return to his elite levels after a scan on his ongoing problem.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion underwent knee surgery for a third time during his 14 months away from the court, and ultimately decided to wave an emotional goodbye as he paired up with close friend and great rival Rafael Nadal for one final match at the 02 Arena.
Nadal and Federer were emotional wrecks in poignant scenes during Federer's swansong, as one of the sport's most iconic figures bowed out for the final time.
But it wasn't long before Federer did make his return to the court, albeit at a kids' clinic at his sponsor UNIQLO's LifeWear event in Tokyo. And whilst at the event, Federer revealed that he is still reluctant to take part in other sports due his worry over his debilitating knee problems.
"I'm still a bit scared when it comes to other sports,” Federer confessed in Tokyo. “My knees are so-so. So that has to wait." But while Federer does not have the freedom of pursuing other activities in sport, he is enjoying being out of the bubble of the professional tennis tour.
The 103-time title winner is relieved that he can create new memories without having the constant concern of his next match. "In the past, holidays always had to be relaxing because my tour life was so stressful," he added. "Now the holidays can be more adventurous."
Federer has also made no secret of the demanding lifestyle a pro tennis player faces - a realisation he has had since hanging up his racquet. And the 41-year-old sympathises with current players over the relentless nature of the ATP Tour.
“As a tennis player you’re always thinking about your next practice, your next match," he recently claimed. "It never lets you go, your next travel, your next packing. I don't think I was that much aware of it, how much that thought is always there, and it rides with you, until you retire and then you realise that stress all drops away.”
“The tour is tough...the travel, the practice, the jetlag. Nobody is allowed to say, 'I'm tired today,' because it looks like you're weak, and that's why players sometimes end up with mental problems. You're supposed to show strength. But we're not machines, we’re human beings.”
