Roger Federer: I will not be a pushy parent

Photo source: BBC

Roger Federer's drive to succeed has landed him seven Wimbledon singles titles and a legion of fans. But when it comes to his children taking up sport, he is determined not to be a pushy parent.

"I don't know if the kids are ever going to play tennis at a high level like that," says Federer, whose wife Mirka gave birth to their second set of twins this May.

"Honestly, I think it all depends on how things are going to be when we settle in Switzerland, and what sport they are going to take up.

"But I think for any kid it's important for them… to enjoy what they're doing, whatever sport that is."

Federer, however, is keen to make clear the distinction between supportive and pushy parents, especially given the role his father Robert and mother Lynette have played in his success.

"Parental support and advice is very important…to make you understand that it's a privilege to be able to go to tennis lessons and play tennis tournaments. So the least a kid can do is give it their best effort and best attitude," he explains.

"At the same time, the parents also need to give space to the kid and the coaches so they can work and... travel by themselves - the parents don't always need to babysit them through their entire career.

"That's why today when my parents tell me 'You know what, we want to come to every single tournament you play on the tour', I would say 'Yes please, come see me. I don't mind spending every day with you guys for the year.'

"But if they tell me 'We don't want to come see you play because we really don't enjoy it' that's cool too. And that's what I hope every parent can look forward to with their kid," he adds.

"It needs to be both ways and for me that worked very well - I got the space, but I also felt the pressure, the need to perform," he adds.

-BBC