Federer admits to being luckier than Nadal

"I'm famous for being in good shape ", Federer shared with former colleague Andy Roddick in the American tennis player's podcast, after the Laver Cup event in San Francisco last week. According to Federer, he has never missed a match due to injury and this is lucky.

"Towards the end of my career, my knee no longer listened to me, " Federer said, after Roddick reminded him about the crutches the Swiss star had to wear in 2021. "I often hide the seriousness of the injury. I don't want the media or my opponents to know. that ".

Federer said he admires his junior rival Nadal, who has experienced countless serious injuries throughout his career. "Nadal approached me in the opposite direction, when he was willing to publicly share his serious injuries, " Federer said. "When I had to go on the operating table, I appreciated what I once had. There were times when my back made it impossible for me to get out of the chair, but everyone still thought I was perfect. Nadal faces that every day ".

Federer also always hopes to prolong his career and believes that his body will soon adapt to age. But this did not happen and "Express Train" had to hang up his racket in 2022 when his knee injury had not yet healed. "I accepted that and had a beautiful ending, " he added. "There was no preparation for me to say goodbye to my career with a doubles match with Nadal. It came naturally and so the feelings were very genuine. I am happy to retire alongside my opponents, legends, family and fans ".

Also in the podcast with Roddick, Federer said he often practices simply, aiming for a leisurely playing style and this helps his body to be less susceptible to injury. "Actually, I hate practicing with Agassi because he always hits very hard, " Federer joked with Roddick. "I could block three of his shots, but by the fourth the ball flew past. That's not my style of training. I still train intensely, but in a different way. "Federer ended his career with 20 Grand Slams, the third most in history.. He had a period of almost absolute dominance, winning 16 of the 27 Grand Slams from late 2003 to early 2010. Agassi was defeated by Federer in the 2005 US Open final, while Roddick lost three Wimbledon finals and one US Open final to the Swiss legend.