Stefanos Tsitsipas Lets Roger Federer Secret Slip at Laver Cup: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
At the 2024 Laver Cup, Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas offered an unexpected insight into the iconic Roger Federer’s post-retirement life, inadvertently revealing a “secret” about the Swiss legend during the tournament.
While the Laver Cup is traditionally known for its exciting matchups and intense camaraderie between the best players in the world, this year’s edition provided fans with an intimate glimpse of Federer’s enduring influence, even after stepping away from professional competition.
Federer, who retired from the sport in 2022, has remained an integral part of tennis, particularly through his association with the Laver Cup, a tournament he helped create.
While much of the spotlight at this year’s event was on the players, Tsitsipas’s offhand comment about Federer provided fans with a rare peek behind the scenes of one of tennis’ most beloved figures.
Here’s a deep dive into what Tsitsipas revealed about Federer, the atmosphere at the Laver Cup, and what this means for Federer’s continued involvement in the sport.
### Roger Federer’s Everlasting Presence at the Laver Cup
Roger Federer may no longer be competing on the ATP Tour, but his presence loomed large at the Laver Cup, held in Vancouver in 2024.
As a co-founder of the event, Federer has taken an active role in shaping the tournament, which pits the best players from Europe against their counterparts from the rest of the world.
Federer’s involvement has gone beyond the organizational side of things—he remains a central figure, mentoring younger players and helping them adjust to the pressures of professional tennis.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, a key member of Team Europe, found himself under Federer’s wing during the Laver Cup.
It’s well known that Federer has long been a role model for Tsitsipas, who grew up admiring the Swiss maestro’s elegant style and calm demeanor on the court.
But what Tsitsipas let slip during a media interaction at the Laver Cup took fans by surprise—it was a candid, behind-the-scenes detail about Federer that hadn’t been widely shared before.
### Tsitsipas’s Slip: Federer’s Competitive Spirit Remains Strong
During a press conference following one of the Laver Cup matches, Tsitsipas was asked about the role Federer was playing in supporting Team Europe.
While the Greek player offered the usual praise of Federer’s leadership and insights, he let slip a nugget of information that had fans buzzing: Federer, despite being retired, still engages in friendly, yet intensely competitive practice sessions with the players.
“He’s been hitting with us behind the scenes,” Tsitsipas said. “It’s almost like he never left. Honestly, sometimes you forget he’s retired because of how sharp and competitive he still is.
He even joked that he could still play if he wanted to, and it’s hard not to believe him when you see how well he hits.”
This revelation delighted fans who have missed Federer’s presence on the court. While Federer retired after a long battle with injuries, particularly to his knee, Tsitsipas’ comment suggested that the 20-time Grand Slam champion still has the skill and drive to hold his own in practice sessions with the world’s top players.
### Federer’s Continued Influence
Tsitsipas’ accidental reveal about Federer’s practice sessions underscores how deeply Federer remains connected to the sport. Even in retirement, Federer’s competitive spirit and passion for tennis haven’t faded.
The fact that he still participates in practice matches with top-level professionals speaks to his enduring love for the game and his desire to stay involved in the sport, even if not as an active competitor.
Federer’s involvement also extends to a mentorship role. Tsitsipas and other younger players have openly spoken about how Federer’s advice and guidance have helped them, particularly during the Laver Cup.
For Tsitsipas, who has occasionally struggled with consistency at major tournaments, Federer’s presence is both reassuring and inspiring.
Having a figure like Federer around the team adds not only technical insights but also emotional support, helping to ease the mental pressure that comes with competing at the highest level.
Federer’s willingness to practice and remain physically engaged with the players at the Laver Cup is a testament to his ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of tennis talent.
### Tsitsipas on Federer’s Legacy
In addition to his revelation about Federer’s practice sessions, Tsitsipas spoke at length about what Federer has meant to the sport.
“Roger has always been more than just a player,” Tsitsipas said. “He’s a symbol of what’s possible when you combine talent with grace, hard work, and love for the sport.
He’s still teaching us, not just with his words, but with his actions. Seeing him still hit with such precision, even after stepping away, just reminds me of how high the bar really is.”
Tsitsipas’ comments highlight the respect and admiration that Federer commands, not just from fans but from his peers as well.
Even though Federer is no longer playing on the tour, his legacy continues to grow, as younger players like Tsitsipas look up to him as a standard-bearer for excellence in tennis.
### Federer’s Role Moving Forward
With Federer’s competitive edge still sharp, fans have begun speculating whether the Swiss icon might return to tennis in some capacity beyond the Laver Cup.
While a return to professional competition seems unlikely given his physical limitations, Federer’s ongoing involvement with the Laver Cup and his mentorship role for younger players like Tsitsipas could lead to more formal coaching or advisory roles in the future.
Federer himself has remained coy about his long-term plans, but his continued participation in tennis events suggests that he has no intention of stepping away from the sport completely.
Whether he takes on a formal role with a player or a team remains to be seen, but Federer’s love for tennis appears undiminished, and his influence will likely be felt for years to come.
### A Lasting Legacy
Stefanos Tsitsipas’ accidental revelation about Federer practicing at the Laver Cup is a small but telling detail about Federer’s continued passion for tennis.
Despite his retirement, Federer remains an active presence in the sport, both through his direct involvement with the Laver Cup and his behind-the-scenes work with players like Tsitsipas.
For fans, the news that Federer is still hitting with the pros, and doing so at a high level, is a reminder of just how special a player he was—and continues to be.
Even though he’s no longer competing on the tour, Federer’s influence on tennis remains as strong as ever, and his legacy continues to grow.
In the end, Federer’s enduring presence at the Laver Cup and his competitive practice sessions with the next generation of players show that, while he may have retired from competition, his love for the game will never fade.
