A conversation with Roger Federer: ‘Hopefully, I made people dream and believe’

LaverCup.com caught up with Roger Federer ahead of Laver Cup 2026 at the O2 in London, nearly four years to the day after he played the final match of his career in this same storied venue. Despite his transformative impact on tennis, the 20-time major singles titlist and newly inducted International Tennis Hall of Famer insists nobody’s ever bigger than the game itself. An interview.

You’ve long had a strong appreciation for the history of the game. Reflecting on your induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame last month, what were those moments like when you realized you were now enshrined side by side with many of your childhood heroes, the legends who made tennis what it is?

It’s a reality check in a major way. I played such a small part in the big scheme of things in tennis. Tennis is always the winner, the biggest of all. But that I maybe played a small role in it is kind of cool for me. Hopefully, I made people dream and believe that they could do it themselves, or just let them forget about everyday worries, or have them travel around the world and follow me and see me play tennis. That Hall of Fame weekend brought back all those memories. I had a lot of people come up to me and just thank me for playing tennis. That was obviously very sweet. But, like I said, it’s a great reality check. It was a beautiful moment. I’m happy I could live it.

“Tennis is always the winner, the biggest of all. But that I maybe played a small role in it is kind of cool for me. Hopefully, I made people dream and believe that they could do it themselves, or just let them forget about everyday worries.” — Roger Federer

You mention tennis dreams. I’m wondering if, four years after you put your racquet down, if you still dream of tennis. And if so, are there particular matches or shots that come to you at night?

Not very much anymore. I don’t dream of patterns of play like I used to. Two guys that come up right away when it comes to patterns are Rafa and Lleyton Hewitt, because the patterns were so intense. But I don’t go through everyday life where all of a sudden, I’m in the shower and thinking about some kind of pattern or something like that. But, of course, I miss those moments, like walking out on court, or how it would be to play against Player X. Sometimes I get that, but very, very seldom nowadays because I’m pretty preoccupied with everyday life.

This is an event that, of course, pays tribute to one of tennis’ all-time greats in your hero Rod Laver. But you are also very much linked to this global competition. What would you like your Laver Cup legacy to be?

I really hope that the players who come through the Laver Cup experience leave the weekend super-energized, that they look back at a great learning experience, as well. That would be something that I would really hope for. It was for me anyways. I loved all the Laver Cups I played. I learned so much from Borg, and running into Johnny Mac, and being able to spend a little bit more time with Rod Laver, who I have such admiration for. I hope that the players feel the same way. I hope, not only for the players that it’s special, but for the fans and the media to see the ecosystem of tennis. The captains and vice-captains, as well. Over time, there will be changes, I assume, and they will also be part of the fabric and see what the new generation thinks, what they can learn from them and vice versa. The storytelling. There are just so many positives that have come out of Laver Cup that I never thought would shine in such an incredible way.