SAD NEWS: Roger Federer breaks fans’ hearts: After retiring, he devoted all his love to his family, while his wife Mirka has just revealed a heartbreaking truth that no one expected.
Roger Federer walked away from professional tennis in September 2022. The farewell match at the Laver Cup moved millions. He hugged Rafael Nadal, cried openly, and left the court as one of the most beloved athletes ever. Fans assumed the next chapter would be peaceful.
He shifted focus entirely to his wife Mirka and their four children. Twin girls Charlene and Myla were eight when he retired. Twin boys Lenny and Leo were six. Federer spoke often about wanting to be present for school events, holidays, and everyday moments he had missed for two decades.
Mirka, a former tennis player herself, had quietly supported his career since they met in 2000. She traveled with him, managed family logistics on tour, and stayed out of the spotlight after his retirement. The couple appeared content in Switzerland, sharing occasional family photos on social media.
In late December 2025, Mirka gave a rare, candid interview to a Swiss magazine. She spoke about life after tennis and the adjustment both she and Roger faced. The conversation started light. Then her tone changed. She paused, looked away, and said something no one expected.
“Roger hasn’t been the same since he stopped playing,” she began. “He gave everything to the game for so long that when it ended, a part of him stayed on the court.” Her words hung in the air. Readers sensed what was coming next.
She explained that Federer had been quietly struggling with depression. The man who smiled through every press conference, who charmed crowds and opponents alike, had been hiding deep sadness. Retirement brought freedom but also emptiness. The structure, the competition, the global adoration vanished overnight.
Mirka described nights when Roger sat alone in his study, watching old matches on mute. He rarely spoke about the feeling. When he did, he called it “a quiet ache.” He felt guilty for not being instantly fulfilled by family life. He worried he had let everyone down by not transitioning smoothly.
The family noticed changes gradually. He became withdrawn during meals. He stopped joining the children for impromptu backyard tennis. Small things—cancelled outings, longer silences—piled up. Mirka urged him to seek help. At first he resisted, insisting he was fine.
Eventually he agreed to therapy. He started sessions in Zurich with a specialist experienced in athlete transitions. Progress has been slow. Some days are better. Others bring the same heavy quiet. Mirka said she shares this now because she believes openness can help other retired athletes.
The article included a recent family photo. Federer stands behind his children, arms around them. His smile looks genuine but tired. Mirka’s caption on Instagram read: “We keep going forward together.” Fans flooded the post with support. Many admitted they had never imagined Federer facing such a private battle.
Tennis peers responded quickly. Rafael Nadal posted a heartfelt message in Spanish and English. Novak Djokovic called it “brave” for the family to speak publicly. Serena Williams wrote: “You are never alone. Sending love to all of you.” The outpouring reminded everyone how deeply Federer is loved.
Mental-health advocates praised Mirka’s honesty. In professional sports, retirement often brings identity crises. Federer’s story highlights a reality many champions face but rarely discuss. The public saw only the elegant backhand, the graceful victories. They rarely saw the cost of that perfection.
Federer has not commented directly on the interview. Close friends say he supports Mirka’s decision to share. He continues therapy and spends time with his children. He has returned to occasional charity events but keeps a low profile. The family remains in Switzerland, surrounded by mountains and privacy.
The revelation has shifted how fans view his retirement. What looked like a perfect landing now appears more human. The relentless drive that made him great also left scars. His silence since 2022 was not contentment. It was coping.
Mirka ended the interview with quiet resolve. She said Roger is fighting every day to rediscover joy outside the lines of a court. She asked for patience and kindness. “He gave the world his best years,” she said. “Now we give him ours.”
The tennis community has responded with an outpouring of messages. Former rivals, coaches, and fans have shared stories of their own transitions. Many admit retirement left them lost. Federer’s vulnerability has opened a wider conversation about life after sport.
For now, the Federer household focuses on healing. The children keep him grounded. Mirka remains his anchor. The public, once dazzled by his titles, now sees something rarer: a champion learning how to live without winning.
The journey is far from over. Healing takes time. Yet the same grace he showed on court appears again in this quieter battle. Fans around the world send love and patience. They wait—not for another trophy, but for proof that even legends can find peace off the baseline.
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