Published 02/11/2023, 4:51 AM EST
Have you seen Roger Federer losing his cool in the heat of the moment? Moreover, have you witnessed the act of the Swiss Maestro breaking rackets? No? However, the former World No.1 has had his share of being a bad boy during his junior year and his transitioning period. Recently, the former director of the $190 Billion worth, Nike, Mike Nakajima, shared a few unheard and contrasting details of Federer’s junior year; when the Swiss ace would smash rackets without giving it much thought.
The 41-year-old retired from the professional circuit last year. However, his decades of contribution to the sport would always stay in the hearts of the people; be it the sponsors or tennis fans. And similar was the case with Nakajima.
Former Nike Director reveals Roger Federer’s attitude during his junior years
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How do you remember Federer on the court? Calm, charismatic, and respectful: That’s how most fans remember him. But during his junior years, Federer used to get angered quickly. Recently, in the Apple podcast, a former Nike director, detailed the contrasting side of the young Swiss ace. Elaborating on the Swiss tennis legend’s racket-breaking habit, he said, “When I met Roger in 94/95 he was just coming out of juniors and he was a really, really talented player, but he would smash rackets in a heartbeat.”
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This attitude was the only highlight of Federer’s match with the Russian, Marat Safin, to decide the best junior in the World. As Nakajima further added, “He came home and watched the highlights, and all they showed was Marat and Roger being bad boys on the court. Yelling, screaming, smashing, throwing things…”
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Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 5, 2021 Switzerland’s Roger Federer reacts during his third round match against Germany’s Dominik Koepfer REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
Well, those days were certainly in the past, as the former World No.1 remarkably turned around things as almost nobody remembers the bad boy Federer. Nakajima certainly reiterated this; as, the ex-Nike director, remembers not the single person who would hate the 20-time Grand Slam champion on tour.
Now that he has retired, his fans would surely love to have a look back at his ever-evolving career.
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What are your thoughts about the Swiss Maestro’s attitude during his junior years? Do let us know in the comments!