Tennis player Roger Federer hangs from the ceiling in only his underwear and swimming cap

20-time grand slam winner Roger Federer will sadly not be at Melbourne Park for the Australian Open after retiring in September last year – and a glimpse of what he’s been up to suggests he couldn’t be further from the tennis bubble.

Instead, the 41-year-old has immersed himself in the art world, taking a peek at a yet-to-be-released documentary that shows him suspended from the ceiling, wearing only his underpants 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, has made a stunning move since retirement

Roger Federer was suspended from the ceiling in a harness wearing only his underwear as part of a new art installation that highlights the Swiss star’s figure.

For the upcoming art exhibition of the well-known Swiss artist and sculptor Ugo Rondinone called “Cloud Six”.

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

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

Most retired tennis legends would move to the commentary circuit at grand slam tournaments or charge big bucks to speak, but Federer said he wanted to ditch those typical paths and challenge himself.

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

Federer has also been seen wearing a swimming cap in the documentary Sneak Peak, where his entire body is scanned and converted into a mold.

Roger Federer retired in September 2022 after winning 20 Grand Slam titles, including the 2017 Wimbledon title (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 the Australian Open despite organizers asking him to.

So instead, he takes himself well out of his comfort zone.

“This new experience allowed me to push myself out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to learn the complex processes of creating art,” he said in the trailer for the documentary, titled “Portrait of the master‘ presented by investment banking giant Credit Suisse in partnership with NBCUniversal Catalyst Showcases.

– I was surprised how much energy I got from art. I didn’t think that would happen to me… it’s a change from my everyday life. It’s peaceful.

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

– I enjoy working with Ugo. Very 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 enjoyed a lot.”

After playing his final tournament – the star-studded Laver Cup – in September and leaving the court in tears, Federer has settled seamlessly into a more relaxed, albeit social, life.

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

He has also attended some NBA games and continued his tremendous charity work.

They would certainly have been on the retirement bingo card, unlike hanging out in a harness of panties.

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

Federer was also seen playing in an NBA game between the Nets and the Celtics in December of last year when he retired from tennis.

When asked how being transformed into an art installation made him feel, the typically soft-spoken Federer admitted that it was difficult at times; but he always had a goal in mind.

“Of course you feel vulnerable … you know that everyone is looking at you and taking pictures of you,” Federer said, describing the process behind the art installation.

“I’m used to it on the tennis court, but there I have my racket, which is like my hammer from Thor, I have my outfit, which is like my uniform, my favorite shoes, a headband and then I’m ready to go… and when someone takes a picture of you, it’s not a problem.

‘In your underwear in a harness and hanging there is a different situation.

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

Roger Federer, who dominated all surfaces during his career winning 20 grand slam titles, is considered by many to be the greatest male player of all time.

Rondinone and his team have installed the art on the Venetian icon.

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