Teh Lingering Sting of 2009: federer Reflects on a Missed Prospect
The competitive fire that defined Roger Federer‘s legendary career wasn’t always easily managed, notably during his younger years. He recalls the period between ages 18 and 21 as a difficult one, exacerbated by frequent travel, losses, and a naturally emotional disposition. He remembers a specific moment during competition – another player running past without acknowledgement – and thinking, “He wants to win at all costs!” This intensity, he acknowledges, made the transition from talented player to champion a challenging one.
A pivotal figure in navigating that leap was Pierre Paganini, whom Federer met at Swiss Tennis at age 14 and later brought onto his team. He describes Paganini as “much more than a fitness trainer,” but a crucial mentor, questioning whether his presence was simply luck or a result of his parents’ foresight in encouraging him to connect with Paganini.Federer is certain his career trajectory woudl have been drastically different without him. Alongside physical readiness, he also had to learn to navigate the pressures of media attention, sponsorship obligations, and family dynamics.
Now,as a father,Federer is approaching tennis from a different perspective with his eleven-year-old son,Leo. He’s focused on providing a supportive framework, but deliberately avoids coaching directly. “I see myself more as a general manager with Leo,” he explains, adding he hasn’t pushed his son, but is now actively supporting his growing enthusiasm for the sport.
Federer himself is also back on the court more frequently,his knee feeling improved. He’s aiming to participate in exhibition matches again, potentially as early as 2026, and is currently undertaking a “mini build-up” to the end of the year. A planned exhibition tour with Rafael Nadal is a prospect he finds appealing, envisioning it as an opportunity to raise money for his foundation and inspire young players.
While a full return to tennis as a coach or TV commentator isn’t currently on his radar – his priority is spending time with his children before they become more autonomous – he remains open to mentoring. He offers his advice freely and welcomes players to connect with him, particularly when he’s in Dubai.
Despite a career filled with triumphs, one defeat continues to resonate with Federer: the 2009 US Open final against Juan Martín del Potro.He believes he should have won, but was hampered by back pain that developed during the warm-up, leading to missed opportunities. He describes it as “one of the games that I shouldn’t have lost,” and acknowledges it ended a winning streak at the US Open. A similar feeling of a streak ending occurred at Wimbledon in 2008, though he concedes Rafael nadal deserved the victory, ultimately accepting the outcome while still believing he should have reclaimed the title.
Looking back on his rivalries, particularly with Novak Djokovic, Federer now views them with a greater sense of perspective and distance.He believes Djokovic and Nadal are still processing the end of their competitive years, and that it’s only with time that one can truly appreciate the broader context. He finds humor in the fact that past slights can be forgotten, even those taken personally at the time, and enjoys the opportunity to reminisce with his former rivals. Though, it is indeed the 2009 US Open final that remains a particularly poignant reminder of a missed opportunity, a defeat that still bothers him today.
