By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, November 21, 2025Photo credit score: Rob Newell/CameraSport
On the peak of his powers, Roger Federer may remodel a tennis match into ballet with a ball.
One in all tennis’ prime shotmakers, Federer may make the ball dance.
“I used to be simply making an attempt to play the ball and never the opponent,” Federer stated after out-dueling rival Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 within the 2017 Australian Open closing to seize his 18th Grand Slam title.
This week, the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame introduced Federer will headline the Corridor of Fame’s Class of 2026 alongside former French Open blended doubles champion and award-winning broadcaster Mary Carillo.
Looking forward to his Corridor of Fame induction, Federer took time to replicate on his wonderful profession in a wide-ranging interview with Simon Graf of Tages Anzeiger.
Within the interview, Federer shared the hardest time of his profession was the very begin: From ages 18 to about 21 when he was refining his recreation and dealing with the formidable pressures of dealing with his tennis heroes on courtroom and within the locker room. In these days, Federer felt stress like slam dancers banging into his physique.
“Essentially the most tough factor for me was the transition from juniors to the professionals,” Federer instructed Simon Graf of Tages Anzeiger. “At first it was tremendous cool. Abruptly I used to be within the locker room with Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Tim Henman, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Carlos Moya and others. And I assumed: That is the perfect!
“However then all the things received so severe. One man wraps the grip tape round his racket with a grim expression, and also you suppose: Oh God, he’s intense! One other walks previous you with out providing you with a look. And also you suppose: He desires to win in any respect prices! And but: Is it actually that essential?”
The 1998 Wimbledon boys’ junior champion made his professional profession shortly earlier than his seventeenth birthday in July of 1998. It might take Federer practically three years to seize his maiden ATP singles crown. Earlier than he did, Federer partnered the previous No. 1 he previously served as a ball boy for, Martina Hingis, to seize the 2001 Hopman Cup championship for Switzerland.
“Martina Hingis positively helped me to grow to be the participant I’m immediately,” Federer as soon as stated. Months after that Hopman Cup championship, Federer lastly broke by way of capturing his first title on the 2001 Milan Indoors.
“That part was robust for me,” Federer stated of his early days on the ATP Tour. “While you journey so much, lose usually, and are as emotionally charged as I used to be, you suppose: I didn’t learn the positive print within the tennis contract. It’s not all enjoyable and video games. This seriousness received to me. The years from 18 to twenty or 21 have been laborious for me.”
On reflection, Federer stated the assist of spouse Mirka, whom he started courting on the 2000 Sydney Olympic Video games when each have been members of Group Switzerland, for offering perspective and maintaining him grounded by way of the early days of wrestle.
“I had good perspective then, and I had Mirka and my staff round me,” Federer stated. “We at all times had enjoyable. When issues received a bit too severe, we fooled round much more than normal. After which it was okay once more.”
