Where is Roger Federer? Why Swiss legend isn’t playing at 2023 Australian Open

Tennis and Roger Federer have gone hand in hand for much of the past two decades. 

The Swiss veteran won 20 Grand Slam titles and established an iconic rivalry with Rafael Nadal. 

Federer enjoyed particular success at the Australian Open, lifting the men’s singles trophy six times and losing just 15 of his 117 matches. 

But for the third year running, Federer is absent from the 2023 tournament in Melbourne as the tennis world starts getting used to life without him. 

MORE: Federer highlights negative impact of pro tennis circuit

Where is Roger Federer?

While injury kept Federer out of the 2021 and 2022 Australian Open, retirement is behind his absence in 2023. 

The 41-year-old confirmed the end of his playing career in September 2022 and played his final competitive match at the Laver Cup later that month. 

Now enjoying retirement, Federer was reportedly invited to attend the 2023 Australian Open by Tennis Australia but declined the offer. The organisation are hoping to secure his return in 2024 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his first Grand Slam win in Melbourne. 

In early January this year, Federer spent some time in Dubai and even played some padel tennis. 

Excited to be back on the court with Severino🤣😎 pic.twitter.com/F2VSDYWb4M

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) January 8, 2023

Why did Roger Federer retire?

Despite his best attempt to return to full fitness, Federer struggled to overcome a knee injury sustained in late 2020.

Surgery and extensive rehab saw him briefly return to the court but it became clear to the Swiss legend his time to hang up the racquet had come.  

“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear,” Federer said in his retirement statement shared on social media in September 2022.

“I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career.” 

Federer played tennis professionally since 1998 so enjoyed a career far longer than most. 

With a family of four children and numerous other interests, the 20-time Grand Slam winner will not be short of things to keep him busy off the court. 

What does Roger Federer do now?

Federer continues to juggle a number of roles since moving on from tennis. 

The Swiss icon remains sponsored by a number of high-profile brands including Rolex, Mercedes-Benz and UNIQLO which keeps the money pouring in. In fact, Forbes revealed in August 2022 that Federer made $90 million before taxes over the previous 12 months despite not playing a single tennis match – the most of any other tennis player during that period. 

Federer has always been a shrewd business man and also owns equity in Swiss running shoe On. 

Crucially though, the retired tennis star makes a point of giving back and continues to play a big role in the Roger Federer Foundation which focuses on providing education for children in need. 

While Federer won’t be at the 2023 Australian Open in any form, there have been suggestions he could be at Wimbledon this year as a commentator with the man himself previously revealing he’s open to a job he views as important. 

“It’s super important because they give you the insight, they tell you how it used to be or how they felt or they can very much relate,” Federer said of having players move into commetary. 

“I think sometimes you watch matches because of the commentary and less about the match itself.

“So I think it has a really important part in the game. And if I can add something, maybe that would be nice, but I would also have to really think about it.” 

Federer has also previously said he will return to the tennis court in some capacity in the future but won’t be playing competitively in any form. 

With his glittering career as a professional tennis player that spanned more than 24 years, @rogerfederer has left a legacy – and he’s ready to do it again, along with #MercedesBenz.

Learn more: https://t.co/KIFJxkTWLv #NeonLegacy #GivingBack pic.twitter.com/iunKDyGBzU

— Mercedes-Benz USAㅤ (@MercedesBenzUSA) November 15, 2022

Roger Federer record at the Australian Open

Federer’s absence at the Australian Open remains quite surreal considering he had competed at Melbourne Park every year from 2000 to 2020. 

It was his second most successful Grand Slam tournament, behind Wimbledon, and he won six of his sevel finals there. 

His triumph in 2018 was notably the last Grand Slam title he lifted before retiring. 

Find Federer’s Australian Open results for each year below with his title triumphs in bold.