Lindsey Vonn reveals Roger Federer conversation that helped her come to terms with retirement before embarking on comeback 5 years later
Lindsey Vonn recently recounted a conversation with Roger Federer about recognizing when to retire. The American skiing legend retired in 2019, with her right knee—damaged by injuries and multiple surgeries—forcing her to step away. Vonn is now expected to rejoin the Stifel U.S. Ski Team for the 2024-25 season.
Meanwhile, Federer played his final match at the 2022 Laver Cup, teaming up with Rafael Nadal for Team Europe against Team World’s Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. Despite their best efforts, Federer and Nadal fell short, closing the curtain on the Swiss legend’s extraordinary career.
Since retiring, the Swiss star has often shared glimpses of his life off the court with fans online and offered valuable guidance to young players.
In a recent interview with the New York Times, Federer’s longtime friend Lindsey Vonn recounted a conversation they had that helped her come to terms with retirement. She said:
"He said something that kind of stuck with me. He said: ‘I squeezed every drop out of the lemon that I had. There was nothing left for me to give."
Vonn reflected on her career, feeling she had given everything, but now believes she still has untapped potential and motivation.
"And I felt like I had done that in my career. I pushed myself as hard as I could. But I feel like I have more juice in my lemon now," she added.
"You could feel the end coming closer": Roger Federer reflected on his retirement and its lead-up
Speaking to GQ in March, Roger Federer expressed feeling relieved after retiring. He explained that athletes often sense the end approaching, and once it's over, they can truly appreciate their careers.
“I’m really relieved, if that makes any sense. I mean, the last few years have been tough with my knee. You could feel the end coming closer. So when it’s all said and done, and you’re over the line and you’re retired officially, you take a deep breath and you’re like, 'Wow, okay, that was good," he said.
The 22-time Major champion acknowledged that he knew his retirement and its lead-up would be difficult and emotional. However, he accepted it as a natural progression.
“I knew it was going to be hard. The moment of retirement in London, everything that led up to it... It’s super highly emotional. Something that has always been with you is gone and will be forever gone, and you cannot have it back as much as you want it back. The train has left the station. And that’s okay, and I want it to be that way," he added.
Federer shared an emotional moment with his longtime rival Nadal after his final match at the 2022 Laver Cup. Nearly two years later, on October 10, Nadal also announced that he would retire after the Davis Cup in November.