Tennis great Roger Federer hangs from the ceiling in nothing but his underwear and a swim cap

Twenty-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer is sadly not at Melbourne Park for the Australian Open after pulling out in September last year, and a glimpse of what he’s been up to shows he couldn’t be further from the bubble. of tennis.

Instead, the 41-year-old has plunged into the world of art, with a sneak peek at a yet-to-be-released documentary showing him suspended from the ceiling wearing only his boxer shorts and a black swimming cap.

But why, you ask?

Roger Federer, pictured with his wife Mirka at a fashion event in Paris earlier this month, made an impressive move after his retirement

Roger Federer was suspended from the ceiling with a harness wearing only his underwear as part of a new art installation highlighting the figure of the Swiss star.

For an upcoming art exhibition by renowned Swiss artist and sculptor Ugo Rondinone titled ‘Cloud Six’.

Federer was put into a series of bizarre poses while hanging from the ceiling in a harness so his body could be captured as a 3D figure via a high-tech scanner.

At one point, he spent hours inside a full-body mold, while also having his entire face covered in silicone.

Most retired tennis legends would go on to the grand slam commentary circuit, or earn big money as speakers, but Federer said he wanted to forego those typical avenues and challenge himself.

Always the legend, he is not content to rest on his laurels.

Federer can also be seen wearing a swimming cap in the teaser for the documentary, where his entire body is scanned and turned into a cast.

Roger Federer retired in September 2022 after winning 20 Grand Slam titles, including the 2017 Wimbledon championship (pictured)

The Swiss made it clear at the time that he wanted to spend time with his family, which is why he did not travel to attend the Australian Open, despite requests from the organizers.

So instead, you are stepping out of your comfort zone.

“This new experience gave me the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to learn the intricate processes of creating art,” he said in a trailer for the documentary, titled “portrait of a champion‘, which was carried out by investment banking giant Credit Suisse.

‘I was surprised at how much energy I got from art. I didn’t think that would happen to me… it’s a change in my daily life. it’s peaceful

“I think it’s very important to do other things, not just chase a blurry tennis ball.

‘I enjoy working with Ugo. Super nice guy, great artist, very wise, he has a heart of gold.

“So spending time with him and learning about his art is something I’ve really enjoyed.”

Since playing in his last tournament, a star-studded Laver Cup, in September and leaving the court in tears, Federer has settled smoothly into a more casual, if social, life.

He was recently photographed with his wife Mirka alongside Vogue fashion icon Anna Wintour and Australian director Baz Luhrmann at a fashion event in Paris.

He also played in a few NBA games and continued his immense charity work.

Those would definitely have been on the retirement bingo card, as opposed to hanging from a harness in your underwear.

Roger Federer (left) and his wife Mirka (right) at a fashion event in Paris with Vogue icon Anna Wintour (2nd from left) and Australian director Baz Luhrmann (2nd from right)

Federer was also seen in an NBA game between the Nets and the Celtics in December last year after retiring from tennis.

When asked how the process of becoming an art installation made him feel, Federer, who is usually soft-spoken, admitted that it was difficult at times; but he always had the ultimate goal in mind.

“Of course you feel vulnerable… you know everyone is watching you and filming you,” Federer said, describing the process behind the art installation.

“I’m used to it on a tennis court, but there I have my racket, which is like my Thor’s hammer, I have my outfit, which is like my uniform, my favorite shoes, my headband and then I’m ready to go… and when someone Record you no problem.

‘In underwear in a harness, and hanging there, it’s a different situation.

“(But) it’s part of the creative process, that’s what it will take to get a good end result,” Federer said.

Roger Federer, who dominated every court during his 20-time Grand Slam title-winning career, is considered by many to be the greatest men’s player of all time.

The art has been installed in a Venice icon by Rondinone and his team.

Founded in 1261, Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista introduces visitors to the long and rich history of the city of Venice, and now it has added Roger Federer hanging casts to its history.