For those who are eagerly awaiting the appearance of Roger Federer’s children on the Grand Slam circuit—don’t get your hopes up.
Federer, a father of four, hinted that it might not be in the cards on Wednesday in Melbourne. During an on-court interview the 17-time major champion got involved in a conversation about his daughters after his straight-sets win over Alexandr Dolgopolov on Day 3 of the Australian Open. During said conversation, the Swiss maestro hinted that he might not want his children competing in professional tennis.
It all started when the interviewer made a few light jokes about Federer's daughers Myla and Charlene reading and not paying attention to Federer's match.
After a bit of small talk, Federer commented:
“We’re trying to bring them into the game a little bit, even though I don’t think we’ll see them [on Rod Laver Arena] one day,” he said. "We'll see."
When the interviewer asked Federer “You’re not one of those tennis parents, are you?” Federer replied “Not at all, actually. I’m happy if they won’t end up being on this court.”
After the match in his press conference, a reporter wanted to know more so he opened the subject again. Judging from the transcript, it sounds like Federer wants his kids to be ski racers. Here’s the actual quotes:
Q. For fathers, there is probably nothing more than the future of their children. Now on court today you said that you didn't want your daughters to appear on Rod Laver Arena.
ROGER FEDERER: It's not my only goal. Let's put it that way.
Q. Talk about that. Do you think the circuit is just too competitive? Do you think they would just be in your shadow? What is your thinking about that?
ROGER FEDERER: Don't know. I think it's 40 years on the tennis tour that doesn't excite me, you know, straight. (Laughter.) I think that's what it would be. And they don't necessarily love it the way I did.
So that's why, for me, it's quite obvious that it's not going to happen. Who knows? They are going to tennis lessons because daddy says so because I think it's a good thing for them. Yeah, I mean, I think it's a wonderful place, the tennis tour, otherwise I wouldn't be on it. It's a great sport to learn how to lose, to win, to figure it out, for friendship, discipline, you name it. For hand/eye coordination.
I only think good things about it. I didn't say it in a negative way. I just don't think they will ever be a tennis player who is ever going to play on Rod Laver Arena.
Maybe they will surprise me and one day they will be here and I will be home in the cold and they will be here. Who knows?
Q. So you, sitting in the friends box watching dozens of matches is not something you look forward to?
ROGER FEDERER: Of course it's important. I will support them all the way whatever they want to do, but I don't see myself doing that right now. I'd rather support them in another sport. Go see them be a super skier. That would be exciting.
To go watch tennis matches, I don't know. (Laughter.) As much as I love it now, I'm just not sure what my excitement level will be in 20 years' time from now.
You never know.
Sounds like Federer, who now holds the all-time record for consecutive Grand Slams played with 65, might be looking forward to taking a few off after he retires. After all he’s given to the sport, it’s more than understandable.