Roger Federer said Wednesday that staying involved in tennis in retirement helps him avoid feeling “like an outsider” ahead of this week’s Laver Cup in Berlin.
Federer, who helped create the tournament, retired at the Laver Cup in London two years ago and has since remained involved with the competition as an ambassador.
“I’m happy to have resumed some tournaments immediately,” the 43-year-old told reporters.
“I feel like I ripped the band-aid off pretty quickly and when I walk around the tennis courts I still feel like I belong there.
“I don’t feel like an alien, which is a good thing because you can feel like that very quickly.
“People (and) players ask you ‘what are you doing here?’ and you say ‘exactly – if you keep talking like that I’ll never come back’.
“I’m glad that I can still feel comfortable in an environment like this because it would be so much easier to stay home, feel comfortable at home and realize that you don’t have to be on tour anymore.”
The 20-time Grand Slam winner has praised Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz ahead of next year’s Australian Open.
Federer remained hopeful for his contemporaries Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, who will both miss the Laver Cup.
“With Rafa, we don’t know, it remains to be seen. It’s difficult for me to make a prediction on Rafa because of the little tennis he has played this year.
“Novak, who won the Olympics and played a full season, did not retire because of injuries, he chose to play less, which is normal when you get a little older.
“I feel like he has a chance to move forward.
“I’m looking forward to Australia, which will be the next Grand Slam. I think he will definitely be one of the favourites along with Sinner and Alcaraz.
“I think the story of the Australian Open will be very interesting to follow.”
Nadal withdrew from the Laver Cup due to injury, but his compatriot Alcaraz will participate as a member of Team Europe against Team World.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev will also play for Team Europe and Federer said he was “so close” to winning a first Grand Slam but needed to attack more in crucial moments.
“I see someone who plays way too passively, way too defensively when it matters most.
“I think he (Zverev) has to remember not to be too passive and then I honestly think something really great can happen to him.”
Team Europe won the first four events, starting in 2017, but Team World won the last two.
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