By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, September 16, 2022
Severin Lüthi, Roger Federer’s longtime coach, has given an interview to German journalist Simon Graf and spoken about the Swiss maestro’s legacy and how Federer is processing his own retirement.
On the decision to retire:
“He just did not make enough progress,” Lüthi said. “He's 41, been on the tour for so long, he's played over 1500 matches. His retirement is a combination of these factors. It would be harder for me if he was totally devastated. How he processes the whole thing helps me, too. Roger has called me two or three times today to ask how I'm doing. He's always thinking about the others, too. He's fine, he's with his family.”
Lüthi recommends that fans of Federer quickly process their sadness and focus on the key contributions that the Swiss legend has made to the sport.
“I think we should now focus not only on the end of his career but above all on everything he achieve,” he said. “All these beautiful successes. People should not only be sad but also happy about all the things they could experience with Roger.”
Legacy: Kindness and the Human Aspect
“I think many will remember him primarily as a nice person,” Lüthi said. “That's more important than if you won one title more or less. His kindness, how he behaved towards the other players. Roger has contributed to the fact that players treat each other with more respect.
“He talks to everyone in the dressing room. It doesn't matter who it is. He's all about the person. Sure, his successes won't be forgotten soon. But I think the human aspect is even more important. What I also find very positive: knowing he won't turn his back on tennis.”