Roger Federer: I don't know if I would still be playing if they would put me on Court 4 every day

The champion opens up

When Roget Federer is on the court, the courts are filled with spectators, each one having only a single thought in their minds, how will he nail it? He is undoubtedly, the best player in tennis history.

Federer has played on biggest courts, in front of the masses, and that’s why he still likes to play. At the age of 33, one might think of retirement or holidays, but Federer is one of those who wants to enjoy every moment, as long as his body can carry on.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion was a guest at BBC’s Today Show, hosted by a guest host John Bercow, who is the speaker of the House of Commons in Britain. Federer spoke about his future at the show.

On tennis and his career

"I definitely am fortunate to always be playing on Centre Court and very often prime time," said the Swiss."I must say—and this is honest—I don't know if I would still be playing if they would put me on Court 4 every day.”

Federer further adds, “That would be difficult for me, having played on all these wonderful courts around the world and now playing in front of a fraction of those people—that would be rough."

How he inspires himself

“I realized very quickly that it's an entirely different thing winning something for the first time and then having to come back the following year and defend it,” said Federer. “Once I reached a certain level, I looked up to the great other athletes out there, like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Valentino Rossi, and Michael Schumacher—people who did it so long, so many times and make you wonder, ‘How did they do that?’

Federer continues, “Next thing you know, it's like you're part of that in a small way, and every year that goes by you get closer to those people. They were definitely a big inspiration for me to keep working hard.”

About his children

"I don't know if the kids are ever going to play tennis at a high level like that," he said. "Honestly, I think it all depends on how things are going to be when we settle in Switzerland, and what sport they are going to take up. But I think for any kid it's important for them, to enjoy what they're doing, whatever sport that is.”