Roger Federer has confirmed that he will be returning to the ATP Tour more regularly, after enjoying visits to Wimbledon and the Halle Open since retiring. A year has passed since the 20-time Grand Slam champion hung up his racket at the 2022 Laver Cup, and he has returned as a spectator this year to talk about his 12 months away from the sport.
The Swiss star made a welcome return at SW19 where he was sat among royalty to watch on at Centre Court, given a heroes welcome as fans were over the moon to see one of their icons at Wimbledon once again. Federer also returned to Germany for this year’s Halle Open and speaking at the Laver Cup, he explained how he expects to continue visiting events on the tour.
When asked if he missed competing, Federer replied: “Of course I do. In a way I miss everything about the game and the exciting moments spent on court, break points saved, winning match points, holding up trophies, walking past fans taking selfies, it’s all one big happy family on the tour.
“I still have those moments from time to time – when I went to Wimbledon – or Halle and I made myself a promise that I will be no stranger to the tour. I will try to come back from time to time, not all the time but time to time.
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“That’s why I am so happy to be here as well. It’s been beautiful to be at home more, I have been travelling and busy but it’s great not to have the wait or another match, another practice when the body is not right and just spending time with friends and family has been incredible.”
In July, Federer received a guard of honour in the Royal Box at Wimbledon and waved to the crowd before watching the likes of Andy Murray and Elena Rybakina having been invited as a special guest, returning as an eight-time SW19 winner.
The 42-year-old did not speak publicly, but enjoyed Murray’s first-round win over fellow Brit Ryan Peniston before ending his post-match interview with a tribute to Federer.
“It was amazing to have some royalty here and some tennis royalty as well,” Murray said of Federer, who was sat next to the Princess of Wales. “It’s amazing to have Roger here supporting the event.”
However, it is unlikely that fans will see a professional return to the tour for Federer who is clearly enjoying retirement, having spent the final few years of his playing career beleaguered by injuries that ultimately prompted him to quit a year ago at the Laver Cup.
