"If Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray ever need my help, I will give it to them" - Roger Federer

Roger Federer has opened up about the experience of watching his biggest rivals, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, continue to compete on tour following his retirement. The Swiss legend disclosed that he enjoys watching them compete and feels gratitude for the impact they have had on his career.

The last days of Federer's illustrious career are detailed in the Amazon Prime documentary 'Federer: Twelve Final Days,' which releases on June 20. The documentary chronicles the 20-time Grand Slam champion's emotional farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup, where he was joined by Nadal, Djokovic and Murray for the ideal send-off.

In an interview with La Gazetta dello sport ahead of the release, the former World No. 1 revealed that he doesn't feel envy when watching his rivals compete, as he has "accepted" his retirement and can now enjoy tennis as a spectator.

The former World No. 1 highlighted the deep respect he has for Nadal, Djokovic and Murray, expressing his gratitude for their roles in making him the person he is today. He also emphasized that he is always ready to support them if they need his help.

"I have ended up accepting my decision. I follow current tennis with pleasure and look at the results and try to watch and play tennis as much as I can," he said (via Punto de Break).

"I have a lot of respect for Andy, Nole or Rafa. Without them I would not have been the person I am. I will always be grateful to them for what they have done for me. If they ever need my help, I will give it to them there," he added.

Federer also admitted that, while he had expected to "suffer" when he announced his retirement, his experience at the 2022 Laver Cup felt more like a "party" with his rivals by his side.

"At first, I thought I was going to suffer a lot when I announced my retirement. That everything was going to be sad, but in the end everything was a party. I didn't imagine everything would be this beautiful. You'll see," he said.

Roger Federer: "What really connects me, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray is the fact of having been parents"

Laver Cup 2022 - Previews

In a recent interview with El Pais, Roger Federer expressed his belief that his connection with his arch-rivals, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, extends beyond tennis and stems from their shared experience of fatherhood.

The Swiss legend disclosed that being a parent has enabled them to develop common ground in conversations.

"I also believe that what really connects all of us, including Andy, is the fact of having been parents; Beyond all the games we have played and the rivalry, in that sense we have a lot in common and to talk about," Federer said.

Reflecting on his farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup, Federer also emphasized that his "beautiful" send-off was made even more special by this shared connection with his rivals.

"He (Djokovic) has two children, Andy has four and Rafa was then close to having his first [he would have it a month later]… It was beautiful to be able to experience all that as a family," he added.