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The “R” Word and Roger Federer

Roger Federer turns 38 this year, an age when most pros are irrelevant—if they’re even still competing.

ByPaul Annacone

Published May 02, 2019

The “R” Word and Roger Federer

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Paul Annacone: This conversation has been happening for almost a decade now. When I was coaching Roger in 2010, a lot of people asked me if he was going to stop playing soon. I was like, “Really? I don’t think so.”

Roger generally doesn’t make decisions based on momentary emotions; he’s very pragmatic. He’s enjoying this journey. I’m sure at some point he’ll start to think about retirement if his ranking really dips and the wins aren’t coming. But he’s told me, and said to everyone else, that he’s going to keep playing while he still enjoys it, while his family is enjoying it, and while he’s happy and healthy.

His agent, Tony Godsick, recently made a golf analogy, saying that he hopes Roger is on the 16th or 17th hole of his career. I hope he’s on 12th or 13th. I’d like to see him play a little bit longer.