Roger Federer has always been admired for his elegance on and off the court. However, the Swiss admits that social media remains a complicated part of modern life.
Having grown up in an era where a personal website or an e-mail was enough to connect with fans, Roger now finds himself navigating that demand constant attention.
While he appreciates the direct link to millions of followers worldwide, the 20-time Major champion also feels the weight of the digital age. For the Swiss, the challenge lies in balancing the positives with the pressure to remain active.
The immediacy of social media allows Roger to share important momentsinstantly with the entire world, like he did with his retirement announcement. At the same time, the sheer volume of feedback, both uplifting and critical, can be overwhelming.
Federer admits that it is sometimes healthier to step back and focus on his life away from the screens and media. Even so, he recognizes the power of social media to inspire, connect and strengthen the bond between athletes and fans.
ADVERTISEMENT
Much like his tennis career, Roger's approach to the digital world reflects a quest for balance - taking the best of it while guarding against its demands.
The Swiss should reconnectwith the top-tier tennis at this week's Laver Cup in San Francisco. Federer ended his incredible career at the 2022 Laver Cup in London on one of the most emotional nights in tennis history.
"Honestly, I find it difficult because there are so many comments. I'm pretty good at absorbing them. For example, when I read ten comments about my backhand and nine are positive, that negative one will not make me question myself.
But it can be related to my appearance, the size of my nose, and many other things, and it can be hurtful. I handle it pretty well; I think it's just a constant. When I post something, and I'm very active, and I have social media on my mind, I do not know how to handle it.
ADVERTISEMENT
The problem is the constant need to post. Sometimes I prefer to post less because I want to spend my day thinking about something else. But it's an incredible tool because I grew up in a time when you just had to have a website.
Nowadays, when you post something, it goes out to everyone, like with my retirement. So it's a love-hate relationship, but it can be very beneficial for most people," Roger Federer said.
