Tennis icon Roger Federer has made a startling confession about his early professional career, revealing he reached breaking point due to the intense behaviour of his rivals - until his wife Mirka stepped in to save his career.
The difficult transition to professional tennis
The Swiss maestro, who boasts an incredible 20 Grand Slam singles titles, admitted that his journey to becoming one of tennis's greatest players was far from smooth. Speaking ahead of his International Tennis Hall of Fame induction in 2026, Federer opened up about the psychological challenges he faced between ages 18 and 21.
"The most difficult thing for me was the transition from juniors to the pros," Federer told Tages-Anzeiger. "At first it was super cool. Suddenly I was in the locker room with Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Tim Henman, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Carlos Moya and others. And I thought, 'This is the best!'"
However, the 44-year-old explained that the atmosphere quickly turned serious. "One guy wraps the grip tape around his racket with a grim expression, and you think, 'Oh God, he's intense.' Another walks past you without giving you a glance. And you think, 'He wants to win at all costs!'"
Mirka's crucial intervention
Federer credited his wife Mirka with providing the crucial support system that helped him navigate these challenging early years. "I had good perspective then, and I had Mirka and my team around me," he revealed.
"We always had fun. When things got a bit too serious, we fooled around even more than usual. And then it was okay again." This approach proved vital in counterbalancing the intense professional environment that had been weighing heavily on the young player.
The couple first met while competing for Switzerland at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and married in 2009 after nine years together. They have since welcomed two sets of identical twins, creating a strong family foundation that supported Federer throughout his legendary career.
Hall of Fame recognition
Federer's revelations come as he prepares for his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island from 27th to 29th August 2026. This honour follows his emotional retirement at the Laver Cup in London's O2 Arena in 2022 and marks five years since his final Wimbledon appearance.
"It's a tremendous honour to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and to stand alongside so many of the game's great champions," Federer said. "Throughout my career, I've always valued the history of tennis and the example set by those who came before me."
The Swiss star received the news at Swiss Tennis headquarters, surrounded by the next generation of players. "It was very special to receive the news at Swiss Tennis, surrounded by the next generation of players - the place where my own journey first began," he reflected. "To be recognised in this way by the sport and by my peers is deeply humbling."
Federer's candid admission about his early struggles provides a rare glimpse into the psychological pressures facing elite athletes, highlighting how even the most successful careers can hinge on crucial personal support systems at critical moments.
