Roger Federer's parents open up about their son still playing at 40

Roger Federer’s parents, Robert and Lynette, say their son is still “living his dream”, admitting that they didn’t envisage him to still play professional tennis at 40.

The tennis icon celebrated his 40th birthday on August 8 and, although he has struggled with injury the past 18 months, he is still one of the best in the business.

Ahead of his birthday, Swiss paper Blich caught up with his parents and asked if they expected him to still be competing at this age.

His mother Lynette replied: “No, not really, but he certainly follows his instinct and love of the sport. In addition, his body has coped with this relatively well at a high level over the past 25 years.”

Robert Federer added: “It’s just great how he still lives for tennis. And you can see what he’s taking on, all the effort of rebuilding after his injury – that’s admirable. Roger lives his dream. We accept that and don’t talk him into it.”

The 20-time Grand Slam winner, though, announced last week that he is set for another lengthy layoff as he will undergo a third operation on his knee.

It means he will miss this year’s US Open and, although he indicated that he hopes to return, some believe it may well be the end of his remarkable career.

When his parents were asked if he talks to them about retiring, his mother replied: “These are personal things that stay within the family.”

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