At 38 years of age, Roger Federer continues to play the game of tennis at the highest level and is always in the mix to win Grand Slam title events. The Swiss star turned pro in the year 1998 and since then has gone on to win a 20 Grand Slam titles and has achieved number one ranking in the ATP rankings on more than once in his illustrious career. He also holds the record for most Grand Slam final appearances by reaching 31 Grand Slam finals.
Could play into his forties
Federer’s time in the game has been nothing short of spectacular. However, some have speculated that the Swiss tennis player may be closer to retirement with each passing year. Speaking at the just-concluded US Open, Federer expressed confidence he could continue playing and competing for Grand Slam titles even at age 40. Federer expressed optimism that his body would hold up when asked about his chances of competing into his forties. “It’s not impossible. A few years ago I wouldn’t have thought it possible. But when you feel fully fit like I do right now, you think you can play forever.”
Physically fit
Federer noted that his body was still in good shape and apart from a back injury he had suffered in 2017, he had no major injury issues, usually a big challenge for players as they get older. “I see it as a privilege to feel like that for a longer period of time. I haven’t had any major setbacks since I felt my back in Montreal against Sascha Zverev (in 2017).I had a few little things, but nothing career-threatening. If I feel like that, I can play more freely, concentrate on my tactics and enjoy my off days much more.” Federer also credited his family for supporting him and encouraging him to keep going. Federer said, “You’ve sometimes got to look for ways to keep going. I think what’s helped me so much is stability with my relationship with my wife, my relationship with my sister and my parents.”
Rivalry with Nadal
Many in the game will hope that Federer continues playing for as long as he possibly can. former tennis player and seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander hopes that Federer’s rivalry with Spaniard Rafael Nadal can motivate him to keep playing and keep the Grand Slam record out of the Nadal’s reach. Nadal won the US Open, his 19th Grand Slam and inched closer to equaling Federer’s 20 Grand Slams. “I am excited about the next two or three years. Federer will try to stop Nadal, it will encourage the Swiss to play for at least two more years.”
