Roger Federer admits the end of his career is closer than ever before.
The Swiss legend, 36, has won a staggering 20 Grand Slam titles and stormed to his sixth triumph at the Australian Open at the start of the year.
Next month, Federer will bid to defend his Wimbledon title against the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
More: Tennis
Federer has previously remained coy when discussing his retirement from the sport but has now gone into detail over how the decision will affect his life.
The most important thing, first of all, is the joy of the game, he said. The feeling of winning, to hear the audience and to give them pleasure.
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And to prove to myself and my team that I can win another tournament or defend a title.
Of course, records. Of course, it would be nice to become number one again and turn this record upwards.
But of course, the end is closer than ever before. But I also do not know when its over.
It will be very interesting and funny after that. Especially with the kids. It will, of course, be more serious with the school.
Im curious how it will be. But I am also convinced that the leap into the future will work.
Federer also paid tribute to Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard won his 11th French Open title in the space of 14 years at the weekend.
Nadal defeated Dominic Thiem in straight sets in Sundays final at Roland Garros.
I kind of expected Rafa to win the French Open, Federer added. It is not taking anything away from him but he was again that good on clay leading into the French Open, which created a situation expecting him to win.
Its hard to find any more superlatives for Rafa. To win a tournament 11 times is almost unimaginable.
And he did it in Paris and makes it look so easy. Youve got to take a bow and congratulate him.
More: Tennis
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I didnt get to see a lot of the final because I was traveling to Stuttgart first and then I already practiced.
He didnt have to prove anything to anybody in Paris and still he did it again. A real champion.
All the players on the tour can only take a bow before Rafa. Its really fantastic.
MORE: Rafael Nadal in great shape to compete for Wimbledon title, says Roger Federer
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Roger Federer admits the end of his career is closer than ever before.
The Swiss legend, 36, has won a staggering 20 Grand Slam titles and stormed to his sixth triumph at the Australian Open at the start of the year.
Next month, Federer will bid to defend his Wimbledon title against the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
More: Tennis
Federer has previously remained coy when discussing his retirement from the sport but has now gone into detail over how the decision will affect his life.
The most important thing, first of all, is the joy of the game, he said. The feeling of winning, to hear the audience and to give them pleasure.
Advertisement Advertisement
And to prove to myself and my team that I can win another tournament or defend a title.
Of course, records. Of course, it would be nice to become number one again and turn this record upwards.
But of course, the end is closer than ever before. But I also do not know when its over.
It will be very interesting and funny after that. Especially with the kids. It will, of course, be more serious with the school.
Im curious how it will be. But I am also convinced that the leap into the future will work.
Federer also paid tribute to Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard won his 11th French Open title in the space of 14 years at the weekend.
Nadal defeated Dominic Thiem in straight sets in Sundays final at Roland Garros.
I kind of expected Rafa to win the French Open, Federer added. It is not taking anything away from him but he was again that good on clay leading into the French Open, which created a situation expecting him to win.
Its hard to find any more superlatives for Rafa. To win a tournament 11 times is almost unimaginable.
And he did it in Paris and makes it look so easy. Youve got to take a bow and congratulate him.
More: Tennis
Advertisement Advertisement
I didnt get to see a lot of the final because I was traveling to Stuttgart first and then I already practiced.
He didnt have to prove anything to anybody in Paris and still he did it again. A real champion.
All the players on the tour can only take a bow before Rafa. Its really fantastic.
MORE: Rafael Nadal in great shape to compete for Wimbledon title, says Roger Federer
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