Roger Federer recently recalled his conversation with his father, Robert, during his 2023 Wimbledon appearance.
The Swiss icon hung up his tennis boots in 2022 after dominating the sport for almost two decades. Since then, Federer has made appearances at various tennis tournaments as a guest.
Earlier this year, he was honored on the Center Court at the Halle Open 2023. And at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, the 20-time Grand Slam winner made an appearance on July 4 at SW19’s iconic Centre Court.
Federer was welcomed with thunderous applause and cheers. He received a minute-long standing ovation from the crowd, which included the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.
In a recent interview with the New York Times, Roger Federer said that his father, Robert, asked him during Wimbledon if he wished to be on the court playing tennis. The Swiss revealed that he replied he was happy to be sitting and enjoying the game.
“My dad whispered to me, ‘Don’t you wish you were playing on court instead of sitting and watching?’ and I was like, ‘No. I feel content watching and enjoying the game,'” he said.
The former World No. 1 watched a couple of matches, including Andy Murray’s and Elena Rybakina’s. Federer was seated beside Kate Middleton and his wife, Mirka, in the Royal Box.
The 41-year-old also recalled how, in 2022, he was at Wimbledon as an injured player and was concerned if he would ever return again.
“Last year I walked out on Centre Court for the 100-year anniversary celebration. It was beautiful but painful. I was injured. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to play again, so it was a very emotional moment. But this year was totally different,” he added.
