Roger Federer caused shock waves in the tennis community when he announced his retirement a few months ago. The Swiss maestro played his last professional match in the Laver Cup and was none other than Rafael Nadal. Despite no longer competing in the round, it continues to benefit players.
Lately, Roger Federer criticized the constantly demanding program in tennis that has led to some early retirements. The Swiss reiterated that tennis players should not be treated as machines. In addition to the physical problems that hinder a player’s career, the mental problems that come with playing an excessive amount of tennis should not be ignored.
“You had to show strength. But we are not machines, we are human. When players retire at a very young age, I totally understand that. We see it from time to time. I always think this is very sad because a lot can still happen in the future.” aforementioned Federer.
“The tour is tough… travel, practice, jet lag. No one is allowed to say “I’m tired today” because you look weak and players sometimes have mental problems because of it.,” added.
Also Read: Jimmy Connors identified Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Felix Auger Aliassime and Holger Rune to replace Big 3.
Roger Federer says repeated doping tests stress players out even more
Almost all sports authorities take doping very seriously. Similarly, ATP and WTA have very strict rules when it comes to doping tests. Players collect their samples frequently to watch out for any irregularities.
Roger Federer noted that this puts additional stress on players, as the risk of a false report always plays in the back of the mind. The Swiss stated that he was able to reflect these better after announcing that he quit the sport.
“We have to fill out doping forms at your location, one hour a day, every day. You cannot know out of the back of your mind that they may come at any moment, especially at that hour. I don’t think I’m that aware of it, how much that thought is always there and it lasts with you until you retire and then you realize the stress is completely gone. added.
It can be said that Roger Federer was right in his analysis of the situation. In recent years, the number of events in the ATP and WTA circuits has increased significantly. Players who aspire to a higher rank have no choice but to compete in these events, which eventually takes a mental toll.
Also Read: “I feel like a better player,” Stefanos Tsitsipas grimaces after painful loss to Andrey Rublev at Nitto ATP Finals
Also Read: “So hypocritical?” – Martina Navratilova criticizes Republican Senators who voted against the progress of the Respect for Marriage Act in the US
