Federer

Wimbledon may have been more fitting. But the Laver Cup, which Federer helped create, will surely offer a poignant send-off at O2 Arena for one of the ...

“Anything after that was a bonus,” he said. He also has a fiercely private side, which helps explain how he was able to keep his retirement decision from going public for nearly two months. I truly believe this is a secret for a lot of the players and for the young guys is to be able, when you leave the site, to say: ‘OK, I’m going to leave it behind,’” he said. I’m happy I don’t have flashbacks to tough moments in my career.” He added: “I’m happy that my brain allows me to think this way, because I know it’s not easy to push sometimes defeats and those things away.” The sweet part was that I know everybody has to do it at one point. Passed in the Grand Slam singles title count by Nadal and Djokovic, who both hold a head-to-head-edge over him, Federer is no longer an obvious pick as the greatest player of this golden era. “I was famous for being quite erratic at the beginning of my career,” he said. Don’t need all the records to be happy; I tell you that.” Following behind is a new generation of hungry players, ready to muscle their way into the breach. Though it was far from a sure thing, he endured with excellence: breaking into the top 20 as a teenager and becoming the oldest No. Next thing you know, you’re part of that group, and it’s been a great feeling.” But Federer also learned how to manage his time, build an excellent support team and maintain his positive energy.