It’s Going to Be Great

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, July 5, 2024
Photo credit: Shi Tang/Getty

Scanning the historic green grass he once commanded, Roger Federer sees golden years coming for tennis. 

Eight-time Wimbledon winner Federer returned to Wimbledon today and shared his thoughts on the state of the sport. 

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In an interview with ESPN’s Chris McKendry, Federer said he’s excited both by the rivalry between world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz and the fact both young superstars still have the opportunity to face Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic.

Weeks after receiving an honorary Dartmouth doctorate, Federer delivered his prognosis for tennis—”it’s great”—though he wishes organizers could put a lid on Centre Court noise.

“I’m happy I’m seeing some matches outside Wimbledon under the roof for me still is a sight I’m just not used to it,” Federer said. “The noise of Centre Court with the roof on is off to me.

“But the guys are doing so well—Alcaraz at the French was fantastic, his win here last year against Novak was incredible in that five-setter.

“I’ve played Novak here I know how hard he is to beat. So for Alcaraz to do it was incredible. Then Sinner how his progression has been the last couple of years, I like it a lot. So I see that continuing, which is gonna mean that both are gonna meet each other so many times it’s gonna be a great rivalry.”

The 20-time Grand Slam champion who spent 310 weeks as world No. 1 says the sport evolves every five years and he’s excited to see where Alcaraz and Sinner take it as they continue to battle each other and Djokovic.

“Every five years you get another wave of players coming through,” Federer said. “That’s why I think it’s wonderful for Rafa, Novak and Andy still playing on Tour because it gives the younger generation a chance to play against these players multiple times.

“Because if everyone retired at 30 we will not have that happen. Novak is amazing that he’s bounced back. Incredible effort for him after the surgery to come back and be playing. It will be very interesting to see how he bounces back against his three-hour match yesterday.”

In the past, The Swiss stylist summed up his approach to Wimbledon simply: Bring his best and compete with class.

“Just tried to be successful here and to represent the sport well,” Federer said.

The 41-year-old Federer also shared his entire family, including wife Mirka Federer and their kids, and his parents, Robert and Lynette Federer, made the trip to SW19.

Federer shared he initially bumped his flight up to Tuesday in the hopes of seeing Andy Murray’s final singles match, however his fellow former No. 1 withdrew from singles. Federer said a prior obligation prevented him from attending the moving ceremony Wimbledon staged in tribute to Murray following his doubles defeat with brother Jamie last night.

“I wish I could have been there last night, but I already had obligations because I didn’t know exactly how it was all going to play out,” Federer said.”I actually took an earlier flight Tuesday to be here in case he played his singles and as I boarded the flight it was like Andy’s not playing singles.

“So I was on standby and unfortunately last night I couldn’t be there. But I quickly went to see him before the match and I could see Andy was extremely nervous and caring for that very moment because it means so much to his family and to his team. I watched all the highlights.

“Amazing for him—hopefully still more to come hopefully in the mixed and then in the Olympics I believe and then I guess that’s it for him we don’t know exactly.

“He was there for my retirement at the Laver Cup at the O2 and I was so happy he was around. I hope I get to see Andy, what an incredible career. I loved playing against him even though he beat me probably 20 times. He’s been terrific of course you have to be emotional yesterday.”