Roger Federer acknowledges that he would have liked to receive recognition for his accomplishments on the court, but he says receiving a lifetime achievement award in Switzerland “fills me with delight.” Due to his chronic knee problem, he has played relatively little tennis in recent years. In September, the 20-time Grand Slam winner’s career came to an end with his Laver Cup doubles match. His final performance as a professional player was with Rafael Nadal.
Over the course of his 24-year career, he broke countless records, amassed hundreds of titles, and won numerous accolades. Seven times prior, Federer was named the Swiss Sportsman of the Year, this time he was honored for his achievements. At the Swiss Sports Award, where he received an honorary lifetime achievement award.
It’s the first time the honor has been given since 2009, with politician Adolf Ogi being the last recipient in 2007. Two years later, the U17 football team that had won the global championship was honored.
“I have always been supported by my country, and that has really counted in my career. I’ve always been thrilled to get those seven Sportsman of the Year titles here. And to be celebrated again today fills me with joy,”
Federer said.
The 41-year-old was a surprise visitor at a gala event in Zurich, with a placeholder keeping his seat warm until he arrived. Later, he made light of it in an interview with Blick TV:
“Unlike at Wimbledon, at least I was let in here without any problems.”
The 41-year-old was referring to his latest mishap at SW19, where a security agent wouldn’t let him in despite his fantastic Wimbledon record.
The demands are greater than when I was active” – Roger Federer
Since his retirement, the legendary Swiss player has kept busy by traveling to the Japanese Uniqlo headquarters. Federer discussed his retirement and how everything has gone “better than expected” after accepting the honor on Sunday.
“I’m happy to have made the transition after my retirement. It was something I was dreading. But it went better than I thought,”
the former world No 1 said.
“There’s more going on since I’m not playing tennis anymore, and especially I don’t have any excuses to turn down an invitation anymore. I can no longer say that I have a match, a training session, an injury, or a rehab to do. As a result, the demands are greater than when I was active.”
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