Twenty-time tennis Grand Slam singles champion Roger Federer reflected on the reality of retirement, his history with Japan's Kei Nishikori and the advice he gave to wheelchair tennis star Shingo Kunieda on Saturday.
Federer, Nishikori, Kunieda and British wheelchair tennis star Gordon Reid participated in a question-and-answer session before a clinic at Tokyo's Ariake Tennis Park sponsored by the Japanese clothing chain Uniqlo.
Calling Nishikori a Japanese national hero "since he was in diapers," Federer, who retired in September, said, "I'm one of the few who knew Kei when he was little. He was always a joy to be around and super respectful. We practiced at times together and had some terrific matches."
Nishikori, who has been on the comeback trail for over a year, said he remembered every one of his matches with Federer, and none more than their 2019 Wimbledon semifinal, during the Swiss great's last tourney at the iconic venue.
"This was also a dream of mine to play him there on the grass," Nishikori said. "That was the greatest experience, even though I lost."
Kunieda also had a Wimbledon encounter with Federer around the same time, a year before winning his first title there to complete his career Grand Slam.
"Last year I lost...in the first round, and right after that, I had a chance to talk to him (Federer). I asked him how I should play on the grass at Wimbledon," Kunieda said.
"He told me, 'Whatever you do, stay on the attack. Making mistakes doesn't matter.' I knew that, of course, but hearing it from him gave me courage when I struggled."
Federer said Kunieda had shown his champion quality by being able to take a small thing said in conversation and turn it into something powerful.
"For me, it was just you asking me advice...but because you are a champion, you took it to heart. You listen to the little things. In a conversation that we had, you took out the most important thing," Federer said.
"You are a tremendous inspiration to all of us. All the players are huge supporters of wheelchair tennis, and we'd like to see more at the Grand Slams and everywhere."
In an event that combined a celebration of his historic career with a teaching opportunity, it was fitting that Federer spoke of the pleasure he'd had throughout his life working with the young.
"In my career, giving clinics was always one of the things I enjoyed most," he said, promising to bring energy and enthusiasm.
"I struggle with coaching my children. It's difficult, but I'm trying my best every day."
