Roger Federer opens up about the stress of professional tennis: ‘We’re not machines, we’re human beings’

On the court he was unstoppable – an awe-inspiring combination of talent, training and discipline that made 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer one of the great tennis players of the modern age. 

But the recently retired Swiss superstar has now revealed that things behind the scenes aren’t as slick as they appear on court. Tennis players of Roger’s calibre may seem to have it all – unimaginable wealth, fabulous travel opportunities and an entourage of helpers – but the pressure and stress can take its toll on the most seasoned of stars. 

“As a tennis player, you’re always thinking about your next practice, your next match. It never lets you go,” Roger says during a press conference at a promotional event in Tokyo, Japan. “It’s a never-ending cycle.