See Roger Federer share tears and laughter with CNN sports reporter Erin McNulty in 2010
Roger Federer’s emotional reaction to Erin McNulty’s report on his retirement in 2010 was so intense that he had to be consoled by a teammate and a friend.
McNulty, an ESPN staff writer, recently told the world that “a couple of years ago, the biggest decision Roger had to make was whether to retire or not. He decided against it.”
Federer, the world No. 1, has decided not to play the rest of this season.
The 38-year-old Swiss tennis star’s decision, announced on Monday, is a personal one. He wants to spend more time with his wife and children.
“It’s a huge disappointment for me. But in my mind, I’ve never come to this kind of decision so late in my career, so I’ve not really started to feel sorry for myself. I’ve always been focused on my career. The only thing that matters to me, the only thing that motivates me, is success,” said Federer, who is ranked No. 2 in the world, in a news conference on Monday at Wimbledon.
It won’t be easy to adjust to retirement. He said he will be traveling to New York, as well as London, and will have to adjust his schedule and take time off on his career.
He plans to have the same routine at Wimbledon as he does at U.S. Open and U.S. Open finals – play at 5:15pm.
“I think it will be a new challenge for me to change my game, to change my approach. But I think the important thing is to find my strengths and to find the answers which will help me to become a better player, to continue having a great level of tennis,” said Federer, who has won seven Grand Slam trophies and the most top 10 ranking wins of any player in history, with 31.
“I think I can do this. I know I can do this. I hope I have time to do this and not to lose