As Andy Murray nears the conclusion of his remarkable tennis career, fellow legend Roger Federer has imparted crucial advice on navigating life post-retirement.
Murray, 37, is expected to retire soon, possibly after the Paris Olympics. Federer, who retired in 2022 after a stellar career marked by 20 Grand Slam titles, emphasized the importance of maintaining a busy schedule to avoid the monotony of inactivity.
In an interview, Federer highlighted the potential challenges Murray might face, stating:
“Andy will go through it his way. He might struggle for a couple of years. He might wake up the next day and go, ‘this is the best thing, why didn’t I do this much earlier?'”
The Swiss maestro stressed that Murray, a father of four, would benefit from staying occupied right from the outset.
Federer reflected on his own experiences, warning against the perils of having nothing to do. He shared:
“Because what you don’t want to happen and I’ve had this on two occasions over the last year-and-a-half – is when you sit at home on the couch and have nothing to do. It’s a terrible feeling. It’s important to stay really busy and have a structure.”
Murray’s final appearance at Wimbledon was marked by an emotional exit in the men’s doubles first-round with his brother Jamie. Federer’s absence from the post-match tribute was due to prior commitments, though he expressed regret for not being present. He explained:
“I wanted to be there but already had obligations because I didn’t know exactly how it would play out. I actually took an early flight here in case he played singles on Tuesday. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t be there Thursday.”
Federer’s advice underscores the mental and emotional adjustments required when transitioning from the rigors of professional sport to retirement. For Murray, staying engaged and active will be key to a fulfilling post-tennis life.
