Hours after Roger Federer stunned at the recently concluded Oscars event, the tennis icon confessed that he wasn’t his usual confident attendee earlier on such occasions. The tennis legend and his wife Mirka honored the invitation to the biggest Hollywood red carpet event for the second time. The first was in 2016.

Federer, who played over 1,500 professional tennis matches and won 20 Grand Slam Majors, has been engaging in diverse activities away from tennis since his emotional retirement at the 2022 Laver Cup. The Swiss had first met with the Golden State Warriors before flying to California. He and his wife then dazzled at the red carpet Hollywood event known as the Academy Awards ceremony.

However, a few days after the event, the Swiss revealed to GQ Sports that despite his calmness at the Oscars and other events, he used to dread these types of occasions. Federer added that the various customs and wears needed for the event sometimes made it hard for him to even breathe.

Just, what do you say? What are we doing here? Why do I have to wear this? It was all those questions when you’re a teenager, like, My God, I feel like I can’t breathe in the tie. So I said, look: I need to wear more suits, so I get comfortable in suits. And actually, I used to make a conscious effort of wearing more ties with either just a blazer, jacket, and jeans, or ties with a cardigan, and just make sure I get used to the feeling of wearing that type of clothing.

Federer via GQ

For fans, Federer’s confession might come as a big surprise, as he is known to attend elite gatherings with utmost confidence. Meanwhile, Federer seems to be enjoying his retirement life as he enjoys being away from the court.

Roger Federer reveals he is relieved of pain since retirement

Roger Federer, in the same interview, also revealed that he is relieved of pain since he retired from the sport. The Swiss icon retired at the 2022 Laver Cup, with his rivals, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic bidding him farewell.

I’m really relieved-- I mean, the last few years have been tough with my knee. You could feel the end coming closer. So when it’s all said and done and you’re over the line and you’re retired officially, you take a deep breath and you’re like, “Wow, okay, that was good."

Federer elaborated on what he means by being ‘relived’

When asked if he was relieved of sadness or grief, Federer confessed it was suffering.

At the moment, it was suffering. Because I knew it was going to be hard. The moment of retirement in London, everything that led up to it.

Federer added

Roger Federer was in San Francisco recently as the state has been announced to host the 2025 Laver Cup. The Swiss maestro has been quite active in social appearances since his retirement.

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