Roger Federer discusses Uniqlo clinics, daily habits and fashion
- Former professional tennis player Roger Federer operates a Next Generation Development Program coaching clinic at the O2, ahead of the ninth edition of the Laver Cup, sharing athletic...
- If you feel pressure, that means you're passionate, which means you care,
- Federer told the young crowd, noting that players should pause and break situations down when stakes run high.
Former professional tennis player Roger Federer operates a Next Generation Development Program coaching clinic at the O2, ahead of the ninth edition of the Laver Cup, sharing athletic advice and discussing his post-retirement routines with GQ.
During the training session ahead of the Laver Cup, Federer offered perspective to young players hitting balls on the court.
If you feel pressure, that means you’re passionate, which means you care,
Federer told the young crowd, noting that players should pause and break situations down when stakes run high.
Realize all you have is five seconds of pressure. All we can do is try our very best and try to control what we can control.
Post-Tennis Retirement and Uniqlo Next Gen Clinics
Reflecting on his transition away from professional competition, Federer explained that he joined Uniqlo’s Next Generation Development Program in 2022 after putting down his racket for good. The initiative runs coaching clinics for children in cities ranging from Vancouver and Berlin to San Francisco.
Our goal was to design an initiative that could connect with the Laver Cup alongside other tennis competitions—to resonate with tennis players emotionally, offer mentorship, and give back,
Federer said.
Sometimes all you need as an athlete, or as a person, is a little nudge. It can take you such a long way. Partnering with Uniqlo allows us to host these engaging, child-friendly activities consistently across the globe.
Daily Habits, Goals, and Fashion Design
When asked about daily recommendations for young players, Federer emphasized organization and planning. He advised working backward from goals, warning that half-hearted efforts fall short. He recommended keeping long-term, mid-term, and short-term objectives in mind.
Discussing personal routines developed later in his career, Federer mentioned taking a morning shower and making his bed, habits he did not practice while rushing to school in his youth. Regarding nutrition, he shared that breakfast remains his least favorite meal, noting that he skips four to five breakfasts a week and tries not to eat too much in the morning.
Alongside tennis coaching, Federer maintains a strong focus on fashion. After signing an endorsement deal with Uniqlo in 2018 and working with artistic director Christoph Lemaire on match gear, GQ readers ranked him the most stylish man of the decade in 2019. He has since collaborated on sneakers with On and sunglasses with Oliver Peoples.
Days always start with: How do I want to feel? What type of material would I like to put on today? I’d always rather look a little bit too nice, or too formal, than underdress,
Federer said regarding his off-court wear.
Physical Health and Recovery Advice
Addressing physical health for young athletes, Federer pointed to sleep as a vital component.
Sleep. I chase my kids to bed every single night. Sleeping is the ultimate recovery,
he stated. He also underscored the importance of understanding training volume, listening to the body, and recognizing that a longer runway allows athletes to make smarter decisions rather than treating every choice as a make-or-break moment.