For many, sports are more than just a hobby or a pastime – they’re a way of life. It’s no mystery why: sports foster teamwork, build resilience, strengthen communities and create a sense of connection and purpose. 

Nobody understands their intrinsic value better than Roger Federer. The 20-time Grand Slam winner is considered one of the most successful tennis players in the history of the sport, and since his retirement from tennis, he's been helping support future generations of tennis players.

A stand-out example is the Neon Legacy initiative – a joint initiative with Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing partnership with the Swiss tennis player, but this project holds a special place in his schedule because it’s focused on developing young tennis talent and helping children and young adults access tennis more easily.

As part of the project, a unique neon yellow Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE was auctioned in 2022 on the occasion of Roger's retirement from active sport. The proceeds financed the renovation and redesign of the Abbey Wood tennis court in London, as a central location for the local community. Another refurbished sports area was recently unveiled in Berlin ahead of the 2024 Laver Cup, which includes a basketball court and a newly built tennis wall.

“I am thrilled to open the tennis wall together with Mercedes-Benz – a project that creates new opportunities for young people to discover the sport,” Roger said at the time. “Training on a tennis wall was instrumental in my development as a player, and I’m excited to share that experience with the next generation.”

We sat down with Roger and Britta Seeger – the member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Marketing & Sales – to discuss the healing power of sports.

How have you been using the free time you’ve gained since retiring?

Roger: Oh, it’s quite nice not having to train or play matches every day. And I’m still on the court a lot, as my children also like to play tennis. Also, I really enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Why is the promotion of young talent in this sport so important to you?

Roger: It was always my goal to give something back to tennis and society at large after my active career. The future of tennis is very important to me. I want the children to be able to go out, be active and find a space where they can leave the problems of everyday life behind them for a while. It’s about creating a safe retreat and a place where you can meet friends. Mercedes-Benz and I are looking forward to implementing these special projects around the world.

Britta: You have shaped and inspired entire generations with your game and your fairness, Roger. I’m certainly not the only one at Mercedes-Benz who is a big fan of you and your infectious optimism. We will all remember a sentence you shared with us during your last visit in Stuttgart: “Short-term plans are motivating, long-term strategies are inspiring.” We firmly believe in your foundation and in the desire to give something back to society. We simply wanted to support this as a company.

What is the value for Mercedes-Benz in an initiative like this one?

Britta: At Mercedes-Benz, we see it as our duty and obligation to live up to our responsibility for society and the environment. That’s what connects us with Roger – we want to give back, show gratitude and support young people and talents. 

We firmly believe in the power of sports. The auction of the Mercedes-AMG GT 2022 in London was a great start for the Neon Legacy project. And the newly designed court is already in use, which is great to hear!

Roger, what drives you to get involved in projects like this one?

Roger: Tennis means a lot to me. It always has, and that won’t change. I grew up through tennis, and it is through this sport that I have learned how to deal with many defeats and many victories. I have met many exciting people, some of whom I know I will be able call friends for the rest of my life. I am very grateful for all that. 

There are many young talents out there who, like me back then, would be capable of a professional career but will probably never make it there because they don’t have the opportunities. In that respect, I’m proud of Neon Legacy. The colourful place stands out in the community and gives these young players an opportunityto grow.

A project like Neon Legacy promotes social, individual and sporting intelligence. Can you relate to that?

Roger: Yes, this is one of my agendas now that I have more time at my disposal. It is a special feeling when we support new talents through their sporting skills. The power of sport can inspire and motivate not only individual lives, but also those of relatives, friends, teammates, and the local community.

Britta: The discipline, the perseverance that young people learn in tennis is also a skill that makes them fit for their professional lives, even if they don’t become professional players. Striving for perfection – as you have to do in sports – is a crucial quality for being successful, in tennis but also beyond.

How has the partnership with Mercedes-Benz lasted so long?

Roger: I was once told that I play so elegantly, maybe that’s why...? 

Seriously, I am very happy to have such a long-standing partner like Mercedes-Benz at my side. That’s rare, and I am thankful for the perfect match. I have always been a Mercedes-Benz fan because when I first started on the tour, Mercedes was the official global partner, so the partnership is very organic. I basically grew up on tourriding in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Britta: I can only agree with that. We stand for similar values… we both strive for the best, and we also appreciate the importance of teamwork: this is just as true for our company as it is when Roger is playing on the tennis court. You can’t get far without the right team. 

Our global successes are only possible thanks to our team, in which everyone supports each other. On top of that, we have already realised so many great projects together that the partnership feels completely natural. But yes, we are probably the exception here. 15 years is a long time, but I’m very happy about it. And I’m also looking forward to everything that’s yet to come.

What are your next big goals?

Britta: I want to continue to drive forward the digital transformation for Mercedes-Benz – to offer our customers the best possible experience everywhere. One of my personal goals is to spend more time with my family. I am always trying to get better at it. A private challenge, but an important one. I think this is also what a project like Neon Legacy can show us: human connections and a strong community around us is immensely important. For me and for everybody else. Because being close with my family also gives me, like everybody else, assurance. The power to do my job.

Roger: That’s how I see it too. My children are no longer that young, so it’s going to be an exciting time for us. I want to be there for them as much as I can, be a support for them and watch them grow up. Professionally, I have many exciting goals and projects to work on. However, I will stay involved in tennis in some shape or form. I just can’t leave behind the sport that has given me so much.