Roger Federer says being connected in tennis after his retirement helped him avoid feeling “like an alien” ahead of this week’s Laver Cup in Berlin.
Federer, who helped develop the tournament, retired from the Laver Cup in London two years ago and has since remained an ambassador for the competition.
“I’m happy I went back right away to some tournaments,” the 43-year-old told reporters. “I feel like I peeled the Band-Aid off quickly, and when I walk around the tennis facilities, I still feel like I belong there.
“I don’t feel like an alien, which is a good thing because that feeling may come on rapidly.
“People and players ask, ‘What are you doing here?'” and you’re like, ‘absolutely – if you keep talking like this, I will never come back’.”
“I’m happy I’m still able to feel comfortable in a setting like this because it would be so much easier just to stay home, get comfortable at home and realise you don’t need to be on tour anymore.”
The 20-time Grand Slam winner hailed Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz ahead of next year’s Australian Open.
Federer expressed optimism for his rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, who will not be competing in the Laver Cup.
“With Rafa, we don’t know; it remains to be seen. Rafa is difficult to forecast because he has played so little tennis this year.
“I believe he has chances moving forward.
“I’m looking forward to Australia, the next Slam. I believe he will be one of the favourites, with Sinner and Alcaraz.
“I think the Australian Open story will be a very cool one to follow.”
Nadal withdrew from the Laver Cup due to injuries, while his compatriot Alcaraz will compete as a member of Team Europe against Team World.
German Alexander Zverev will also compete for Team Europe, and Federer admitted he was “so close” to winning his first Grand Slam, but needed to attack harder in important moments.
“I see someone who is playing much too softly and defensively when it counts the most.
“I think (Zverev) has to remind himself to try to not be too passive and then I think honestly something really great can happen for him.”
Team Europe won the first four events, beginning in 2017, but Team World won the last two.
