Roger Federer has disclosed his intentions to make guest appearances at three or four tournaments during the upcoming season. The former 20-time Grand Slam champion, who retired from professional tennis in September 2022, initially turned down multiple offers to participate as a special guest at tournaments.
However, nine months after his retirement, Federer felt prepared to resume attending tournaments, commencing with his presence at Halle in June 2023, a German ATP 500 event where he holds a record 10 titles.
Subsequently, Federer also graced Wimbledon, an event where he boasts a remarkable eight championship victories, and later attended the Laver Cup and Shanghai Masters. In Shanghai, he was honoured as the “Icon Athlete of the 2023 Shanghai Masters.”
This year, Federer’s plans remain consistent as he looks forward to making guest appearances at selected tournaments once again. “Yes, I follow tennis often. Last year I went to four tournaments, in Halle, Wimbledon, at the Laver Cup in Vancouver, in Shanghai. This year I will attend three or four events again,” Federer affirmed.
Reflecting on his experience as a spectator at Wimbledon following his retirement, Federer shared an honest sentiment, stating, “My dad leaned over and asked me, ‘Wouldn’t you want to be on the court right now instead of just sitting here?’ And I was, ‘Oh, my God, no. I’m so happy sitting here,'” highlighting his contentment with his new role as a spectator.