"I also cried when my children were born, because it changes your way of seeing life" - Roger Federer opens up about his 'emotional' personality
Roger Federer has opened up about his tendency to display his emotions unabashedly, expressing satisfaction with this aspect of his personality. The Swiss legend also reminisced about several poignant moments in his life, both on and off the court, that have moved him to tears.
Whether it was shedding tears of joy after winning his final Grand Slam title at the 2018 Australian Open or breaking down alongside Rafael Nadal during his farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup, Federer has never shied away from baring his emotions on the court.
In a recent interview with El Pais, the 20-time Grand Slam champion shared an insight into his tendency to shed tears after momentous occasions like his breakthrough victory over Pete Sampras at Wimbledon, admitting that he hadn't anticipated crying even after winning.
"Definitely, yes. And to be honest, I didn't know it was like that. I remember the match against Sampras in 2001 [when he was 19, in the round of 16 at Wimbledon] and the Davis Cup that same year, when I won my three points against the Americans," he said.
"Then I cried a lot and now again, so it's like, what's going on? Crying after losing games is a classic, we all know that junior stage; but doing it after winning was wild. After my first victory I couldn't even speak, because of everything it meant to me," he added.
However, Roger Federer emphasized his satisfaction with letting himself showcase his feelings publicly, expressing his belief that experiencing those moments with such "intensity" allowed him to relive them.
The 42-year-old also described himself as a "very emotional person," disclosing that the birth of his children had also moved him to tears, as it completely changed his perspective on life.
"But, in perspective, I feel very happy that I didn't hold back, that I was able to share all those emotions with people and also with myself, because somehow In a way, having lived those moments with such intensity, it is as if I could go back in time," he said.
"If I didn't fight, I would cry all the time, so I guess I'm a very emotional person. I also did it when my children were born, because it changes your way of seeing life and stuff," he added.
Roger Federer shares four children with his wife Mirka, twin girls Myla Rose and Charlene, born in 2009, as well as twin boys Leo and Lenny, born in 2014.
Roger Federer on wife Mirka's portrayal in his upcoming documentary: "There is a very emotional moment... you see everything she has suffered with me"
In the interview with El Pais, Roger Federer credited his wife Mirka for teaching him about "discipline." He also hailed her as "incredible" for supporting his career fully even after having four children and managing the "crazy" logistics of traveling as a family for his tournaments.
"She also worked very hard in the second part of my career with the children [they have four, two twin boys and two twin girls], making everything work as we traveled around the circuit; The logistics were crazy and she has been incredible in this regard," he said.
As the final days of Federer's career are being chronicled in the upcoming Amazon Prime documentary 'Federer: Twelve Final Days,' the former World No. 1 expressed his delight at his wife Mirka's inclusion in the film.
The Swiss legend disclosed that an emotional moment involving Mirka will play out in the film, which will offer a glimpse into everything she has "suffered" while supporting him in his career.
"She knows it, and that's why I'm so glad she's in the movie too. There is a very emotional moment in which she says how meaningful he has been to her and how much she has always loved watching me play; That is one of the most emotional moments, because you see everything she has suffered with me," he added.