Steve Kerr highlights how Warriors draw inspiration from Roger Federer during 2022 NBA Finals
ATP
Roger Federer has inspired millions of tennis players around the world, but he also inspires fellow athletes.
Many players currently competing on the ATP Tour would likely name Federer as their idol when growing up. It's not a surprise. The Swiss Maestro shaped the game of tennis as we know it today.
In recent months, he has been away from the courts, but despite not playing since last year's Wimbledon, Federer will return in 2022 again. He is set to compete at the Laver Cup in London.
But Federer isn't popular only among tennis players and fans. On Sunday, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr spoke about how Federer inspired his players a few years ago.
Federer met the Golden State Warriors during their pre-season trip to China a few years ago. Back then, the former ATP World No. 1 player told the team what keeps him going. Kerr revealed that Draymond Green was the one to ask the question about Federer's longevity.
"Draymond asked him, "How have you been doing this for 20 years? And his answer was just simple, yet profound."
"He said, 'I love my daily ritual.' He said, 'I get up, make my kids breakfast, drop them off at school, go train and I've figured out the right training methods to keep me in the best position at my age. I love competing.' He said, 'But every single day, I put my head on the pillow at the end of the day and think, Man, what a great day.'"
Kerr admitted that when he remembers Federer's story, he immediately thinks of Stephen Curry. The 34-year-old legend of the club has a similar routine.
"So I think of Steph a lot when I think of that story from Roger Federer. Very, very similar just sort of zest for life and just joy for the process. [Curry's] routine, it's like a metronome."
"Every day, it's the exact same thing. He's in the training room, he's in the weight room, he's on the court. It's clockwork."
"But there's also a sense of joy and energy within that work. He enjoys it so much. He loves the process. I think that's one of the things that ties all great athletes together, like talking about the superstar athletes, the Roger Federers of the world, the Steph Currys of the world."
"There's a routine that not only is super-disciplined but it's really enjoyed each day. There's a passion that comes with it, and that's what sustains it over time. When you love something like those guys do, you work at it, you get better and you just keep going."
