Federer slams the younger generation of players
Roger Federer won his 19th Grand Slam at Wimbledon this week, and then proceeded to ‘slam’ the next generation of players, who have failed to provide the tennis great any real competition.
Speaking at a press conference the day after his big win, Federer was nursing a hangover, after partying hard the night before. Asked whether he intended to play on next year or retire, Federer said that the failure of the next generation of players has made it easy for him to stay on and keep winning major titles.
“Every generation definitely is different,” Federer said. “Since my generation and Rafa’s generation, the next one hasn’t been strong enough to push all of us out really, so that has been helpful for us to stick around.”
He knows remaining competitive will be a challenge, and while he’s staying realistic, he expects to play on for a while yet.
“Honestly, ever since I had the year I had last year, I do think probably like a year ahead of time with my schedule, fitness schedule, tournaments I would like to play. So I totally see myself playing here this time next year,” he said.
“But because it’s far away, because of what happened last year (referring to his injury-plagued season), I just like to take the opportunity to thank the people in the very moment, and make them understand, yes, I hope that I’m back. There’s never a guarantee, especially not at 35, 36.”
What a Gent.