Don’t miss… <\/strong> Novak Djokovic confirms retirement plan as Andy Murray’s mother left furious<\/strong><\/p>\n “It was important for me to be there, but it was a crushing feeling I had, a twisted feeling I had.” After calling time on his career, Federer returned to Centre Court again in 2023, which he claims was a much more pleasant experience.<\/p>\n “My dad leaned over and asked me, ‘Wouldn\u2019t you want to be on the court right now instead of just sitting here?’ And I was like, ‘Oh, my God, no. I\u2019m so happy sitting here.’ I felt very content and at peace, sitting and not playing,” he added.<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n “This year, I was very happy to be back there. And the people were happy to see me happy.” Wimbledon was Federer’s favourite hunting ground during his glittering career, which brought him a staggering 20 Grand Slam titles to leave him third on the men’s all-time list.<\/p>\n Eight of those titles came at SW19, with the most recent triumph occurring in 2017. Federer’s last Grand Slam tournament appearance came at Wimbledon in 2021, when he lost to Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n On his life post-retirement, Federer explained: “I don\u2019t play much tennis anymore, other than with the kids. As a former player, to book a court and get someone to hit with you is a process, so you end up not doing it.<\/p>\n “On vacation, I just played with our friends in the Hamptons. I\u2019m not super competitive. It\u2019s just nice to be out there and then sit on the terrace and let the sweat go a bit.”<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/4957436.jpg?r=1694604588580\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/4957438.jpg?r=1694604588839\")
<\/p>\n