Roger Federer is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, but the Swiss legend has admitted he was pushed to breaking point by the behaviour of his rivals early in his career
Roger Federer said his wife was a massive help when things got tough in his career(Image: Getty)
Roger Federer has revealed how his wife, Mirka, helped ground him during his most challenging moments in tennis. Despite boasting 20 singles Grand Slam titles, the Swiss maestro has admitted his early professional career was anything but smooth sailing – even driving him to his limits.
The 44-year-old opened up about his struggles following news of his International Tennis Hall of Fame induction, telling Tages-Anzeiger: “The most difficult thing for me was the transition from juniors to the pros. At first it was super cool.
“Suddenly I was in the locker room with Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Tim Henman, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Carlos Moya and others. And I thought, ‘This is the best!’ But then everything got so serious. One guy wraps the grip tape around his racket with a grim expression, and you think, ‘Oh God, he’s intense.’
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“Another walks past you without giving you a glance. And you think, ‘He wants to win at all costs!’ And yet, is it really that important? That phase was tough for me.
“When you travel a lot, lose often, and are as emotionally charged as I was, you think, ‘I didn’t read the fine print in the tennis contract. It’s not all fun and games.’ This seriousness got to me. The years from 18 to 20 or 21 were hard for me.”
Fortunately, Federer enjoyed tremendous backing from those closest to him – particularly his wife, Mirka – during his most psychologically demanding periods. He added: “Not anymore.
“I had good perspective then, and I had Mirka and my team around me. We always had fun. When things got a bit too serious, we fooled around even more than usual. And then it was okay again.”
Roger and Mirka Federer have been married since 2009(Image: Getty)
Both accomplished tennis stars in their own right, Roger and Mirka first crossed paths whilst competing for Switzerland at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Following nine years together, the pair exchanged vows in 2009 and have since been blessed with two sets of identical twins.
The news emerges as Federer prepares for his International Tennis Hall of Fame induction in 2026 – four years following his retirement at the Laver Cup at London’s O2 Arena and five years since his final official Wimbledon appearance.
Discussing the privilege, Federer said: “It’s a tremendous honour to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and to stand alongside so many of the game’s great champions.
Roger Federer enjoyed an incredible tennis career(Image: PA)
“Throughout my career, I’ve always valued the history of tennis and the example set by those who came before me. It was very special to receive the news at Swiss Tennis, surrounded by the next generation of players – the place where my own journey first began.
“To be recognised in this way by the sport and by my peers is deeply humbling. I look forward to visiting Newport next August to celebrate this special moment with the tennis community.”
Roger Federer and the Class of 2026 are set to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island from 27th to 29th August next year.