Looking for words of wisdom from one of the greatest athletes of all time? Look no further! These Roger Federer quotes capture his thoughts on tennis, travel, fatherhood, and more. You’ll find gems that inspire hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
Roger Federer is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional tennis players of all time. He held the world No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings for a record 237 consecutive weeks (that’s more than four years), winning 103 ATP singles titles including 20 majors, 28 ATP Masters, and six ATP Finals. Beyond his impressive winning record, he’s known for his elegant playing style and sportsmanship.
But Federer is also known for his inspirational words, both on and off the court. Here are some of the best Roger Federer quotes about tennis, the Olympics, fatherhood, and life. They will inspire you to work hard, never give up on your dreams, and always strive for excellence.
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Roger Federer Tennis Quotes
Federer’s love for tennis is undeniable, and his quotes reflect the passion and dedication he has for the sport. Here are some of his most memorable quotes about tennis that showcase his mindset and approach to the game.
“You play the ball. You don’t play the opponent. Be free in your head. Be free in your shots. Go for it.”
— Rodger Federer
“My dad said if you become a tennis professional just make sure you get into the top hundred, because you have to make a little bit of money. You make a living so you can pay your coaching and, you know, your travels.”
— Rodger Federer
“For me, it’s important that a fan can buy something that is related to me. Like in soccer, you buy a shirt and it’s got somebody’s name on the back. That’s kind of a cool thing.”
— Rodger Federer
“You always want to win. That is why you play tennis because you love the sport and try to be the best you can at it.”
— Roger Federer
“I love tennis! I’ve always felt like this because it is such a classy sport with a great, competitive flair to it.”
— Rodger Federer
“My game is a lot about footwork. If I move well, I play well.”
— Roger Federer
“I enjoyed the position I was in as a tennis player. I was to blame when I lost. I was to blame when I won. And I really like that, because I played soccer a lot too, and I couldn’t stand it when I had to blame it on the goalkeeper.”
— Rodger Federer
“My favorite shot is always gonna be the forehand. It used to always be my favorite shot when I was young, so it’s the one I’ve won all the points with.”
— Rodger Federer
“When you do something best in life, you don’t really want to give that up — and for me it’s tennis.”
— Rodger Federer
“I think it’s very hard for coaches to work with me. They’ll no doubt have a good CV afterwards, but at the same time they’re under a lot of pressure.”
— Rodger Federer
“Clearly, when you win everything, it’s fun. That doesn’t necessarily mean you love the game more.”
— Rodger Federer
“Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it’s time to end my competitive career.”
— Rodger Federer
“To the game of tennis: I love you and I will never leave you.”
— Rodger Federer
Roger Federer Quotes About the Olympics
Many athletes dream of winning an Olympic gold medal. Roger Federer competed for Switzerland in four Summer Olympic Games, winning one gold and one silver medal. Quotes from Rober Federer about the Olympics reflect his appreciation for the event and how it has impacted his life and career.
“When I think of the Olympics I only think of good things. I think of what a great event it is and what it has done for me and my career, and changed my personal life, too.”
— Rodger Federer
“I am now the Wimbledon champion, and I think that gives me even more confidence coming to the Olympics. And maybe in some ways, it maybe takes some pressure off the Olympics, because I already did win at Wimbledon this year.”
— Rodger Federer
“I feel a bit awkward playing in a red shirt out at Wimbledon. But I don’t dislike it.”
— Rodger Federer
Inspirational Quotes by Roger Federer
Federer’s wisdom extends beyond the tennis court. His inspirational quotes touch on life, hard work, and perseverance, offering valuable lessons for anyone striving for success.
“I’ve always been aware that the image you patiently construct for an entire career can be ruined in a minute. It scares you a bit, but that’s the way things are.”
— Rodger Federer
“You have to believe in the long-term plan you have but you need the short-term goals to motivate and inspire you.”
— Rodger Federer
“Effortless is a myth.”
— Roger Federer
“There’s no way around hard work. Embrace it.”
— Roger Federer
“I might fall down, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stay there.”
— Roger Federer
“You will not grow if you are not willing to change yourself.”
— Roger Federer
“When you’re good at something, make that everything.”
— Rodger Federer
“A man who wins is a man who thinks he can.”
— Rodger Federer
“If you’re stuck in a hole and maybe things aren’t going well, you will come out stronger. Everything in life is this way.”
— Rodger Federer
“I’m a very positive thinker, and I think that is what helps me the most in difficult moments.”
— Rodger Federer
“I fear no one but respect everyone.”
— Rodger Federer
“Sometimes you have to accept that a guy played better on the day than you.”
— Rodger Federer
“Once you find that peace, that place of peace and quiet, harmony, and confidence, that’s when you start playing your best.”
— Rodger Federer
Quotes About Travel by Roger Federer
Although he was born in Basel and raised primarily in Switzerland, Roger also holds South African citizenship through his mother, Lynette. Here are some of his thoughts on travel, which reflect his love for exploring new places and cultures.
“I am a sucker for those old traditional places, and Rome is as good as it gets, particularly when you throw in Italian food.”|
— Rodger Federer
“I have to fit holidays around tournaments, particularly the grand slams, in Melbourne, Paris, London and New York.”
— Rodger Federer
“My heart is in South Africa, through my mum. My mum being from here, me spending a lot of time here as well, I feel most connected to this part of the world.”
— Rodger Federer
“All of us tennis players travel around the world for 10-11 months of the year. There’s no place like playing at home, so this is a very special night for me.”
— Roger Federer
Roger Federer Quotes About Fatherhood
Roger has a very tight bond with his family, from his parents to his former tennis pro wife to his two sets of twins. These quotes by Roger Federer show his deep love and commitment to his family — especially his twin daughters and twin sons.
“I always had the dream that, once I became No 1 in the world, that if I had a child I hoped I would have it early enough so the child can see me playing.”
— Rodger Federer
“Being a husband is for me as big a priority as being a father.”
— Rodger Federer
“Having twin girls is a life changer – that’s for sure. But I like getting up and changing diapers. It’s the things you do.”
— Rodger Federer
“Before, I guess, mum and dad were everything, but now, in my case, I had two new girls and all of a sudden they’re completely dependent on you and there’s a third generation. It’s a funny shift all of a sudden. You have the babies, you have yourself and then you have your parents.”
— Rodger Federer
“I don’t mind fans coming up in a friendly, respectful way. That’s all part of the fun of being a top tennis player. But if people take pictures without permission, particularly if my children are in the shot, I feel uncomfortable.”
— Rodger Federer
“I’m as patient a father as I am on the tennis court. It takes a lot for me to get really upset, but sometimes kids can get you really cross if they really keep bugging you.”
— Rodger Federer
“When I won in 2003, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would win Wimbledon and have my kids seeing me lift the trophy, so this is pretty surreal. And yeah, I was almost shocked in the moment that it all came together so nicely.”
— Rodger Federer
Quotes About Roger Federer
Through his incredible skill and elegance on the court, Roger has earned the admiration and respect of his peers, commentators, and fans. These quotes about Federer show just how much of an impact he’s had on the sport and how highly he’s regarded by those who know him best.
“If you want to be a tennis player, then mold yourself onto Roger Federer. I won three Wimbledon titles and I wish I could play like him.”
— John McEnroe, former professional tennis player and sports commentator
“It is not a funeral, nobody died, it is all good — so we have to move on and celebrate who Roger is, what he brought to our sport, and what he will keep bringing in the future because, as he said, he is not going anywhere.”
— Ivan Ljubicic, commenting on Roger Federer’s retirement
“Maybe Roger Federer will rescue tennis. He plays like we did in the past.”
— Ilie Nastase, Romanian former world number one tennis player
“He hits shots that other guys don’t hit. You want to go over and give him a high five sometimes.”
— Sam Querrey, American tennis player
“[Federer] …is the most beautiful man to watch play tennis. The most beautiful I’ve ever seen play. His movement, combined with the artistry, his racquet, the look, he’s got everything going.”
— John McEnroe, former professional tennis player and sports commentator
“For me Roger is the greatest player ever who played the tennis game. It’s always good to see him play and win and we are going to see so much more of Federer in the future; he is going to win more grand slam tournaments.”
— Bjorn Borg, Swedish former world No. 1 tennis player
“The best way to beat him would be to hit him over the head with a racquet.”
— Rod Laver, Australian former tennis player
“He’s the best I’ve ever played against. There’s nowhere to go.”
— Andre Aggasi, American tennis player
“Today I was playing my best tennis, trying lots of different things, but nothing worked. When you’re playing like that and he still comes up with all those great shots you really have to wonder if he’s even from the same planet.”
— Novak Djokovic, Sebian tennis player
“If he is playing very good, I have to play unbelievable. If not, it’s impossible, especially if he’s playing with good confidence. When he’s 100 percent, he’s playing in another league. It’s impossible to stop him. I fight. I fight. I fight. Nothing to say. Just congratulate him.”
— Rafael Nadal, Spanish tennis player
“Well, I think when I look at Roger, I mean, I’m a fan. I mean, I’m a fan of how he plays, what he’s about, just the fact that I think he’s a class—I don’t know him personally, but seems like he’s a class guy on and off the court. He’s fun to watch. Just his athletic ability, what he’s able to do on the run. I think he can and will break every tennis record out there.”
— Pete Sampras, American tennis player
“Roger’s a champion in every sense of the word. He’s won everything and done it all with class.”
— Rod Laver, Australian former tennis player
“I threw the kitchen sink at him but he went to the bathroom and got his tub.”
— Andy Roddick, American former tennis player
“I would suggest that his next opponents don’t look to me for advice.”
— Andre Aggasi, American tennis player
“Federer is the best player in history, no other player has ever had such quality.”
— Rafael Nadal, Spanish tennis player
“In an era of specialists, you’re either a clay court specialist, a grass court specialist, or a hard court specialist… or you are Roger Federer.”
— Jimmy Connors, American tennis player
“I’m not sure if he has any weakness in his repertoire.”
— Jonas Bjorkman, Swedish former tennis player
“He hasn’t changed a bit. He hasn’t been arrogant in the locker room. He never is. That’s great to see someone that does it with class. He doesn’t intentionally get in anyone’s face. He doesn’t put people down.”
— James Blake, American former tennis player
“Roger can produce tennis shots that should be declared illegal.”
— Tracy Austin, American tennis player
“I feel that this rivalry is not only in the tennis world. People from outside of our world talk about it and that’s good for our sport.”
— Rafael Nadal, Spanish tennis player
“I can cry like Roger, it’s just a shame I can’t play like him.”
— Andy Murray, British tennis player
“Logically, I think it’s Federer, he’s the GOAT, you know, take his brain a little bit. We actually have a lot in common to talk about, professional wrestling, he’s a fan of that, not many people know that.”
— John Isner, American former tennis player
“If I was his coach, what can I tell him? He is a magician with a racquet.”
— Goran Ivanisevic, Croatian former tennis player
“He’s a real person. He’s not an enigma. If you met him at McDonald’s and you didn’t know who he was, you’d have no idea he’s one of the best athletes in the world.”
— Andy Roddick, American former tennis player
“The metaphysical explanation is that Roger Federer is one of those rare, preternatural athletes who appear to be exempt, at least in part, from certain physical laws.”
— David Foster Wallace in a 2006 New York Times article
Do You Have a Favorite Roger Federer Quote?
What words of wisdom from tennis great Roger Federer do you like most? What about the quote resonates most with you? Is there a quote by or about Roger that’s missing here? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
