Roger Federer cried in front of tennis rival and gave new outlook - 'I really understand'

Matteo Berrettini has revealed that Roger Federer once broke down in tears in front of him in the locker room. The Italian tennis star was team-mates with Federer for his emotional retirement at the Laver Cup.

And he recalled one of the best pieces of advice he had been given while Federer was crying after his final match.

The emotional Swiss star’s words have stayed with Berrettini, whose outlook on tennis was changed thanks to the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Berrettini has had a tough time with injuries since he competed at the 2022 Laver Cup. He missed portions of the 2023 season and was absent from the tour between September and March.

But the former Wimbledon finalist has maintained his passion for the sport even through the bad moments. He has now explained that his perspective was down to an emotional conversation with Federer.

Berrettini told Esquire: “When I was in London busy celebrating Roger Federer’s last match, he was crying because he was sad about leaving something that he loved so much, and was telling us: ‘You guys have no idea how lucky you are, that you can keep playing. I would give a lot to just be able to play one more match, have one more win, one more important tournament. So keep enjoying, keep striving, because this is the best sport ever and you’ve got to enjoy it.’”

The former world No. 6 said it was something he has tried to follow ever since, after Federer’s words made him “really understand” how important it was to be passionate about his sport.

Berrettini added: “And I think that's when I really understood the power of loving what you do. That it's in the bad moments and the good moments, it's just enjoying the ride - I’ve tried to do that since.”

His new outlook has paid off after struggling with foot, ankle and abdomen injuries. When he returned at the Phoenix Challenger in March he made it all the way to the final in his first tournament in six months.