Roger Federer says he was pleased that he went largely injury-free this season, which saw him return to No. 2 in the rankings, win the Davis Cup, and welcome a set of twin boys. Following back problems in 2013, Federer admitted that he was unsure how he would rebound.
"At the same time when the game kicks back in, the pleasure of winning again was greater and I felt this year I was happy, this year on the tour there were no setbacks," he said in New Delhi, where he is playing the International Tennis Premier League. "I have two more kids now, I play great, so overall wonderful season. I could not have been happier."
The 17-time Grand Slam champion reiterated that winning the Davis Cup had not been about filling a gap in his résumé, but described the victory alongside his teammates and national fans as emotional and special, even in his achievement-filled career. Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka helped Switzerland win the Davis Cup over France, with Federer dropping his opening singles and Wawrinka winning his prior to their doubles victory. Federer clinched the final tie with a singles win over Richard Gasquet.
"I don't think any player goes through a career where he wants to tick off stuff, it is too mechanical, there is no emotions," Federer said. "I think it is about experiencing the moment, celebrating it with thousands of Swiss people in a square at Lausanne.
"But my experiences has been amazing because my team is just full of best friends... to share that moment with them, it is very special. To play in front of record crowds, it was special.
Federer will next play an exhibition against Wawrinka in Switzerland this month for his foundation.
"It is hard to get beaten by Gael Monfils on the first day on a record-breaking number [of fans in attendance] and then I could bounce back," Federer added. "Thanks to Stan. I think he played really well on first day and gave me that opportunity to play better again and thankfully I did. The celebration was great, epic and long and we had a great time."