Inside Roger Federer’s life since retirement and stance on tennis return as he turns 43

Today marks the 43rd birthday of Roger Federer, the Swiss tennis legend who, nearly two years after his retirement, continues to inspire hope that he might return to the tennis world in some capacity. As the tennis world prepares for a generational shift—with Rafael Nadal likely to follow Federer into retirement—the possibility of Federer’s return, even in a non-playing role, remains a tantalizing prospect.

In September 2022, Federer stunned the sports world by announcing his retirement from professional tennis. Over his illustrious 25-year career, he amassed 20 Grand Slam titles and 109 ATP Tour singles titles. His achievements include eight Wimbledon championships, six Australian Open titles, five US Open victories, and a French Open win in 2009. Federer’s dominance in the sport is further underscored by his 310 weeks as the world No.1.

Federer’s final match, played alongside his great rival Rafael Nadal in a doubles event at the Laver Cup, was a fitting end to a career marked by elegance, sportsmanship, and brilliance. His retirement was largely driven by a persistent knee injury, which had troubled him in the latter stages of his career. In his farewell speech, Federer reflected on his journey, saying, “Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career.”

Despite his deep love for the sport, Federer later revealed in an interview with GQ Hype that he felt “really relieved” after making the decision to retire, especially after years of battling injuries. Still, he acknowledged that he missed “everything about tennis.”

Since retiring, Federer has remained active in the tennis community. His most notable post-retirement project is the release of his documentary, *Federer: Twelve Final Days*, available on Amazon Prime Video. The documentary provides an intimate look into Federer’s life and career, featuring interviews with his famous rivals, including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray.

Federer’s presence at tennis events has also been noticeable. In 2023, he was seen attending Wimbledon, watching the matches alongside Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. This fueled speculation about his potential involvement in the sport beyond his playing days.

Financially, Federer’s success on the court has translated into substantial wealth. With an estimated net worth of £434 million ($550 million), he is one of the richest athletes globally. A significant portion of this wealth—£102 million ($130 million)—came from his tennis career and prize money. Even after retirement, Federer remains a highly sought-after figure for brands, maintaining lucrative sponsorship deals with companies like Rolex, Lindt, and Wilson. He also continues his partnership with Japanese fashion brand Uniqlo, having released his own clothing line.

Beyond his business ventures, Federer dedicates time to his family and his philanthropic efforts through The Roger Federer Foundation. As a father to twin daughters, Charlene and Myla, 14, and twin sons, Leo and Lenny, 10, Federer has embraced a more grounded lifestyle, including taking his children to school—something that was previously impossible due to his demanding career.

Federer’s deep connection to Wimbledon remains strong. He has participated in ambassadorial events at the All England Club, though he has so far declined offers to return as a commentator, despite being approached by the BBC in 2023. “First I thought it would be cool to comment on matches of the generation of players I played against. I know them best,” Federer admitted, according to Simon Graf. “But becoming a commentator in the year after my retirement didn’t feel right. Maybe I will commentate one day, maybe never.”

For now, Federer is likely celebrating his 43rd birthday with his wife, Mirka, and their four children. While his future in tennis remains uncertain, the possibility of his return—perhaps in a different role—continues to intrigue and excite fans around the world. Whether on the court, in the commentary box, or through his ongoing ambassadorial work, Roger Federer’s influence on the sport he loves is far from over.