Federer thinks tennis needs revolution in player-media relationship

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña 

Another lawn tennis living legend has spoken amid the rampant mental health issues surrounding the sport.

20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer broke his silence and gave his take on the mental health struggles that have been common in the sport for almost a year now.

Following in Naomi Osaka’s footsteps when she chose to withdraw during the 2021 French Open due to depression and that dealing with the media added to her anxiety, Federer called for a total overhaul regarding the player-media relationship.

“We need a revolution. Or at least an evolution of where we are today. Even when I am feeling down I know I need to act a certain way in front of the world’s press. We need to remember that tennis players are athletes and professionals, but we are also human too,” shared Federer.

Federer said that he has been following the careers of the sports’ rising stars and one of them is Osaka.

He also added that the younger generation needs more mentoring since times have changed especially that social media became more powerful.

“I think players, the tournaments, journalists, we need to sit down together in a room and go, “OK, what would work for you and what works for us,” Federer told the British GQ.

Fresh off another major knee operation, the Swiss Maestro is looking to get back on track and clinch another Grand Slam title.