Roger Federer has left quite a mark on tennis, although his story with the sport certainly isn’t done yet.
Federer will play an exhibition at the Australian Open in 2026, and he was instrumental in the creation of the Laver Cup.
He fittingly retired at the Laver Cup in 2022, ending his career as a former ATP number one and with 20 Grand Slam titles to his name.
Federer has left a lasting legacy with his efforts both on and off the court, including his impact on tennis at the Olympics.
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Roger Federer’s hope for tennis at the Olympics in 2008 has come true
He shared his verdict on the importance of the event back at the 2008 Beijing edition, where it was put to him: “This is your third time to participate in the Olympics. Why do you always come to the Olympics? There’s no prize involved and little scores for the ranking and it will affect your other tournaments.”
Federer replied: “Yeah, I mean… okay, I agree. But at the same time, in some ways it’s such a nice change to the regular tour we play in, first of all.
“But then also, being part of the biggest sort of sports event in the world. Now that tennis is finally accepted by the Olympic Committee, it’s something I wish to sort of move it forward in a way.
“I guess when I speak to some players now, who didn’t used to play the Olympics back in maybe ’96, 2000, you name it, I know that some of them have regrets that they didn’t play it, seeing how big the Olympics has become in tennis and how important tennis has become to the Olympics really.
“I hope that, by my… with my presence, and also, let’s say, Rafa’s [Nadal] presence, [Andy] Roddick’s presence, [Lleyton] Hewitt’s presence in the past years, I think that’s only going to make it more important for the future generation, as well. So I think that’s one of the reasons I play.
“But then also having the chance to represent my country is the second one. Third, just sort of living the dream, as well, being part of the Olympic Village, the Olympic spirit.
“Just being here is something that is quite unique, especially after spending an incredible couple of weeks in Sydney, which for me will always stay in my memories as one of the greatest sports experiences I ever had.
“It was, for me, clear that I would never want to miss an Olympic Games ever again if I would have the chance to compete in them.”
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It’s fair to say that Federer’s hope has come true, with tennis now a hugely popular and regular fixture of the Olympics.
And along with a handful of his fellow legends, the Swiss icon played a key role at the event, where he achieved great success alongside his overall enjoyment at taking part.
He claimed his first medal in Beijing in 2008, storming to men’s doubles gold medal success alongside Stan Wawrinka.
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Federer then added a singles silver medal to his honors list at London 2012, when he lost the final to Andy Murray.
Continuing the iconic Olympic tennis moments, Murray successfully defended his gold medal in 2016, while Novak Djokovic secured a stunning gold in 2024.
Tennis will remain on the Olympic agenda for both 2028 and 2032, taking place in Los Angeles and Brisbane respectively.
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