Retired Federer can’t stop checking the scores

Roger Federer may be out of tennis but the Swiss icon confessed on Wednesday he often finds himself checking the scores of ATP matches.

The 41-year-old who retired last September due to knee problems, returned to the 500 event on grass in Halle, Germany, to celebrate the 30th edition of the pre-Wimbledon tournament.

Federer won the title 10 times, starting with his first in 2003 up through his last four years ago.

He was invited back for the day as a guest of honour by organisers,  local industrialists the Weber family.

“I surprise myself with how often I check scores – maybe three times here day,” Federer told the ATP website,

“Sometimes I might miss a week being with the kids or travelling.

“But I’m really into it, there are some great matches going on. I try to watch the highlights, note the level of play.

“Tennis is really going up and up.”

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was the first of the legendary Big 3 players to end his career, with injured Rafael Nadal soldiering on and Novak Djokovic leading the all-time standings with 23 Grand Slam singles titles after winning Roland Garros this month.

“This is my first time back to a tournament,” Federer said. “It feel strange – but in a good way.

“We are here to celebrate 30 years of this event. Hopefully when the body heals up and I’m ready I can play some exhibitions.

“But right now I’m happy away from the game, though I follow it closely.”