Former tennis star Roger Federer shared insights on how staying connected with the sport has helped him adjust to retirement.
Federer, who retired at the Laver Cup in London two years ago, continues to serve as an ambassador for the tournament and expressed his feelings before this week's event in Berlin.
"I'm happy I went back right away to some tournaments," AFP quoted the 43-year-old. "I feel I ripped the bandaid off quite quickly and when I walk around the tennis sites I still feel I belong there."
Federer highlighted the importance of remaining active in the tennis community. "I don't feel like an alien, which is a good thing because you can feel like that very quickly," he said.
Reflecting on the upcoming Australian Open, Federer praised new talents Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. He also commented on the prospects of his contemporaries, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Federer noted Nadal's uncertain future due to limited play this year but expressed optimism about Djokovic. "I feel like he has chances moving forward," Federer remarked, mentioning Djokovic as a favourite for the Australian Open.
Nadal will miss the Laver Cup due to injury, but his fellow Spaniard Alcaraz will compete for Team Europe.
Federer also commented on German player Alexander Zverev, offering advice for achieving success in Grand Slams.
"I see someone who's playing much too passively, much too defensively when it matters the most," he said, suggesting Zverev should take a more aggressive approach.
Team Europe had dominated the Laver Cup since its inception in 2017, but Team World has won the past two events.
