Roger Federer: My family had to stop me being so ANGRY after I was chased off court
ROGER FEDERER has revealed his family sent him to a psychologist as a youngster because he was so angry on the court.
Federer INTERRUPTED by Sock during post-match interview
Federer has always cut a calm and composed figure on the court, rarely showing his anger.
As a result, the 36-year-old has been able to dominate the sport for well over a decade, scooping 19 Grand Slam titles and countless other accolades.
But Roger Federer has now revealed that he was so wound-up as a teenager that his family had to take drastic action to stop him from spiralling out of control.
"There was a time when I used to throw my racket a lot and when I was 16, I was even chased off court because of it," he said.
"At 17, my family decided that I had to go to a psychologist, because I was so angry on the court. From that moment on, my growth has been constant.
"Every time I am under pressure, I think of the hard work I have done to get where I am now.
"After becoming the number one in 2004, I actually considered quitting.
"I had accomplished everything I had set out to. But I told myself that I can continue playing because I don’t have to prove anything anymore.
"Everything I accomplish going forward is just a bonus. People have told me I cry too much after important victories or defeats.
Roger Federer has opened up about his anger issues as a youngster
"There are people don’t even smile when they win, and there are people who don’t stop smiling for weeks after a victory.
"I am the sort of person who lets the tears flow. I let them flow because I remember that coach who told me I would go nowhere in tennis.
"In those moments, I think of how many sacrifices I've made to get to where I am.
"But I must actually thank that person because, especially in the first years of my career, he gave me the urge to move on."