'Nobody is allowed to say I am tired today', Roger Federer on mental health of Tennis players

Swiss maestro Roger Federer who recently retired from professional tennis after an illustrious career spanning over 20 years opened up about his life after retirement and also reflected on his time as a tennis player at a promotional event in Tokyo on Saturday.

The 41-year-old who won 20 Grand Slam titles drew curtains on his career in September 2022 during Laver Cup.

Federer in a press conference reflected upon his time as a player. He said, 'as a tennis player, you are always being constantly thinking about your next practice, your next match. It never lets you go. Your next travel, your next packing. I don't think I was that much aware of it, how much that thought is always there, it rides with you. Until you retire and realise, wow, that stress all drops away.'

With a career that spanned 25 years, Federer, who is considered one of the greatest in Tennis has seen his fair share of ups and downs. While sheding light on players' mental health during tours, the tennis icon said, 'Because the tour is tough. it's tough to stay on the tour. It's hard to stay travel, practice, jet-lag. Nobody is allowed to say I am tired today because it looks like you are weak. And that is why players end up having mental problems, because you are always supposed to show strength. But we are also not machines, we are also just human beings.'