Podcast Summary

The New Yorker Radio Hour

Episode: Roger Federer Opens Up

Date: August 23, 2019
Host: David Remnick
Guest: Roger Federer
Duration of Federer segment: 00:09–12:54

Episode Overview

In this episode, David Remnick sits down with tennis legend Roger Federer ahead of the US Open. The conversation explores Federer’s recent Wimbledon loss to Novak Djokovic, his mindset as an aging athlete, emotional evolution on the court, motivations for continuing to compete, and his thoughts about life after tennis. The discussion offers a rare, candid glimpse into the inner life of one of the sport's most revered figures.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Processing Loss at Wimbledon

• Wimbledon 2019 Rematch: Federer discusses the heartbreaking moment when he lost the Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic after missing match point.

• Coping with Disappointment: Rather than dwelling on anger, Federer analyzes matches quickly and moves on, showing remarkable composure and emotional maturity.

  “To end up losing the way I did really made me more angry than anything... But, you know, that’s how it goes sometimes. I’m very quick to analyze a match like this. I got over the finals very easily, very quickly, to be honest, because it’s just part of it.”
  — Roger Federer (01:47)

• Post-loss Family Time: He recounts a family camping trip the day after the final, highlighting efforts to remain present for his family and retain perspective.

  “We had the best time and I’m so happy we did it. But we did say that next time if we do it, it may be better not to do it after a five hour battle with Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon finals...”
  — Roger Federer (02:26)

2. The Nature of Fun and Pressure on the Court

• Enjoyment in Competition: Federer acknowledges that while fun is part of the experience, the intense pressure and seriousness at his level complicate that enjoyment.

  “The challenge is fun. Having those butterflies before walking out on court is interesting. ... Yet I will miss it because it’s an exhilarating feeling and it’s something you don’t get, you know, when you’re playing video games or I don’t know what...”
  — Roger Federer (03:13)

3. Emotional Evolution and Temperament

• Youthful Volatility: As a junior, Federer had a “volcanic temper” and relates to contemporary players with similar outbursts, such as Nick Kyrgios.

  “I laugh about it because I think it’s actually good. ... I used to smash rackets, throw rackets, but very clever, you know, so I wouldn’t break the racket. ... For the sake of winning, I changed my attitude.”
  — Roger Federer (04:43)

• Intentional Change: Federer consciously decided to tone down his temper for the sake of his performance and well-being.

4. Aging and Adjusting as an Athlete

• Shifts in Lifestyle: With age, Federer has sacrificed other sports and activities to avoid injury, focusing instead on family.

  “All of a sudden you have children. So instead of going ... play squash, well, now you maybe go run around in the park and play hide and seek and play catch... It becomes a totally different life.”
  — Roger Federer (06:25)

5. Mental Versus Physical Edge

• Slim Margins of Greatness: Federer debunks the notion that the gap between top players and others is massive. Success comes from having a well-rounded game and multiple strengths to rely on.

  “If you win 53% or 55% of the points, you are winning the match and actually dominating. ... What you want to try to create as a player is that you’re not playing at the limit of things. ... That’s what separates the absolute greats…”
  — Roger Federer (07:56)

6. Motivation for Continuing

• Love of Tennis: Records, beating younger players, and personal challenges all motivate Federer—but at heart, he continues because of genuine enjoyment.

  “I just like playing tennis, you know, may it be practice or matches... really squeezing that last drop of lemon out of it...”
  — Roger Federer (09:04)

7. Looking Ahead to Retirement

• Post-career Vision: Federer is not anxious about life beyond tennis, planning to spend time with family and friends, stay involved in tennis (possibly in a mentoring role), and work on his foundation.

  “I don’t think I will have a major struggle being away from the game of tennis that I love so much, because I feel like I was able to keep really great friendships throughout my career. ... Philanthropy, of course, my foundation, super important to me.”
  — Roger Federer (10:05)

8. Federer Through the Eyes of Others

• David Foster Wallace’s Famous Essay: Remnick recalls Wallace’s description of Federer’s play as a “religious experience.” Federer finds such praise flattering but also “a bit embarrassing.”

  "He wrote this most unbelievable piece about me that almost got me definitely a bit embarrassed... at the end of the day, I’m just a tennis player, you know..."
  — Roger Federer (11:32)

9. Contrasts in Grand Slam Environments

• Atmospheres of Wimbledon vs. US Open: Federer acknowledges the difference, calling Wimbledon more consistent and US Open more raucous, but he expresses love for the New York crowd.

  “The church is more consistent, let’s put it that way. But I love playing there. I love playing in New York. Crowds have always been terrific with me, and I can’t wait to come back this year.”
  — Roger Federer (12:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On handling loss:
  “I got over the finals very, very easily, very quickly, to be honest, because it’s just part of it.” (01:47)

• On fun in tennis:
  “The challenge is fun. ... Yet I will miss it because it’s an exhilarating feeling and it’s something you don’t get...” (03:13)

• On emotional growth:
  “For the sake of winning, I changed my attitude. I think basically that’s what I did.” (04:43)

• On professional sacrifices:
  “I do miss the years where I was a teenager, too, and I just did anything just because I could. And I was still trying to understand, what does professionalism really mean?” (06:25)

• On the small differences at the elite level:
  “Margins are much slimmer than people think they are. ... If you win 55 or 60% of the points played... you are dominating.” (07:56)

• On continuing to play:
  “Really squeezing that last drop of lemon out of it, you know, and not leaving the game of Tennis feeling like I could have or should have stayed longer...” (09:04)

• On life after tennis:
  “I could see myself in a mentoring role ... Philanthropy, of course, my foundation, super important to me.” (10:05)

• On legendary praise:
  “He wrote this most unbelievable piece about me that almost got me definitely a bit embarrassed, you know, because at the end of the day, I’m just a tennis player, you know...” (11:32)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------| | 00:09 | Opening and Federer’s accomplishments | | 00:55 | Wimbledon 2019 loss and emotional response | | 02:18 | Coping with loss—family camping trip | | 03:04 | The concept of fun in top-level tennis | | 04:23 | Federer’s youthful temper and transformation | | 05:57 | Adjustments as an aging athlete | | 07:25 | The mental game and slim margins at the top | | 08:51 | Federer’s motivations for continuing | | 09:42 | Thoughts about retirement and future plans | | 11:03 | David Foster Wallace’s Federer essay | | 12:19 | Wimbledon vs. US Open atmospheres | | 12:52 | Closing remarks |

Language and Tone

The conversation is candid, humble, insightful, and occasionally humorous—a reflection of Federer’s even-keeled personality and Remnick’s thoughtful interviewing style. Federer openly discusses his vulnerabilities, competitive spirit, and evolving sense of what tennis means to him.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode offers fans and newcomers alike a rare, intimate window into Roger Federer’s mind. He shares honest reflections on triumphs, failures, changing motivations, and the balance between athletic greatness and everyday life. Remnick’s deft questions elicit both thoughtful analysis and gentle humor, making this a stand-out athlete profile. If you want to understand the human side of a sporting legend, this conversation is a must-listen.

Note: This summary omits podcast advertisements, general introductions, outros, and unrelated content such as the later discussion on Stephen Chang and Hwasu's music feature.