Roger Federer sends retirement message to Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

Roger Federer has expressed the wish that his former rivals Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic could “keep playing forever”.

The legendary Swiss described what Murray is doing after a serious hip injury as “inspiring”, while revealing he now feels “so far removed” from his own playing days.

Federer brought down the curtain on his illustrious 24-year career at the 2022 Laver Cup, with his biggest rivals Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray all in attendance as members of Team Europe.

The former world number 1 shared the court with Nadal for his final match as the pair joined forces to play doubles at the team event he founded, held in London this that year.

The eight-time Wimbledon champion played the final singles match of his career at the All England Club, where he lost to Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-finals in 2021.

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Federer underwent three surgeries on his right knee between 2020 and 2021, with the injury largely preventing him from competing after the 2020 Australian Open.

Both Murray and Nadal revealed that 2024 would likely be their last season, although neither ruled out the possibility of continuing to play for longer. Djokovic, meanwhile, looks likely to outlast his Big Four rivals.

In an interview with BBC SportFederer explained why he had no advice for Murray regarding his own retirement, as he admitted he already felt far away from his own career.

“I really don’t think I can give him any advice,” the 42-year-old said.

“Retirement is so personal. When you make that decision, everyone is in a completely different situation.

“We’ve been through similar things but I’m too far away to give advice. If he calls me, I’ll be happy to answer a few questions.

“He had a massive hip problem and what he is doing is inspiring. I hope Andy, like Rafa and Novak, can continue playing forever, like a fan. The tour is better with them.

“I was watching Roland Garros last week and I was like, ‘Wow, they’re so good, I was doing that too!’ I feel so distant from my career I’m starting to forget the things I’ve done, the records.

“It’s quite a nice past on the road. It’s been a great life and now having this distance is a great place to be.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion also spoke about how much he enjoys traveling with his family during the tour.

“We created a home-like situation. I would come home from training or a match and go play Lego with the kids, read them a book or play hide and seek,” Federer continued.

“It was great. I would do it again, even with the sleepless nights and the heavy logistics that came with it. We also received a lot of help.

“The transition (to retirement) was smooth. I think having been injured and then with the Covid pandemic, it allowed me to be home for more than three weeks at a time.

“I’m happy to have stayed in shape, I’m going to the gym, I’m continuing my rehabilitation because I want my knee to get better.

“The boys are 10, the girls are 14, it’s a busy time. Things are moving very quickly now and growing quickly.

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