Roger Federer is considered to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time. His calm and composed approach on the court has won him titles as well as fans the world over. However, the 19-time Grand Slam Champion was not always the cool and collected player that we know today.
In an interview with Express.co.uk, the 36-year-old revealed that he grew as an angry teenager and such was his behaviour that his family had to take the drastic step of sending him to see a psychologist.
“There was a time when I used to throw my racket a lot and when I was 16, I was even chased off court because of it,” Federer was quoted as saying.
“At 17, my family decided that I had to go to a psychologist, because I was so angry on the court. From that moment on, my growth has been constant,” he revealed.
‘Considered quitting in 2004’
Today, Federer is a calm and composed character on and off the court. The Swiss star has been able to dominate the sport for well over a decade now. However, he also reveal that he did consider quitting the game in 2004 when he became World No 1.
“After becoming the number one in 2004, I actually considered quitting. I had accomplished everything I had set out to,” Federer said.
“But, I told myself that I can continue playing because I don’t have to prove anything anymore. Everything I accomplish going forward is just a bonus,” he added.
‘I am a person who lets the tears flow’
The Swiss ace also revealed that during his formative years, a coach had told him he could not become a profession tennis player. He said when he cries after important victories and defeats, its all these past moments and sacrifices that run through his mind.
“People have told me I cry too much after important victories or defeats.” Federer said. “There are people who don’t even smile when they win, and there are people who don’t stop smiling for weeks after a victory.
“I am the sort of person who lets the tears flow. I let them flow because I remember that coach who told me I would go nowhere in tennis.
“In those moments, I think of how many sacrifices I’ve made to get to where I am. But, I must actually thank that person because, especially in the first years of my career, he gave me the urge to move on,” he added.