Roger Federer (born 8 August 1981) is a Swiss former professional tennis player. Federer was ranked world No. 1 in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for 310 weeks, including a record 237 consecutive weeks, and finished as the year-end No. 1 five times. He won 103 singles titles on the ATP Tour, the second most of all time, including 20 major men’s singles titles, a record eight men’s singles Wimbledon titles, an Open Era joint-record five men’s singles US Open titles, and a joint-record six year-end championships.
A Wimbledon junior champion in 1998 and former ball boy, Federer won his first major singles title at Wimbledon in 2003 at age 21. Between 2003 and 2009, Federer played in 21 out of 28 major singles finals. He won three of the four majors and the ATP Finals in 2004, 2006, and 2007 as well as five consecutive titles at both Wimbledon and the US Open. He completed the career Grand Slam at the 2009 French Open after three consecutive runner-up finishes to Rafael Nadal, his main rival until 2010. At age 27, he surpassed Pete Sampras’ record of 14 major men’s singles titles at Wimbledon in 2009.
Federer and Stan Wawrinka led the Switzerland Davis Cup team to their first title in 2014, following their Olympic doubles gold victory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Federer also won a silver medal in singles at the 2012 London Olympics, finishing runner-up to Andy Murray. After a half-year hiatus in late 2016 to recover from knee surgery, Federer returned to tennis, winning three more majors over the next two years, including the 2017 Australian Open over Nadal and an eighth singles title at the 2017 Wimbledon Championships. At the 2018 Australian Open, Federer became the first man to win 20 major singles titles and the oldest ATP world No. 1 at age 36. In September 2022, he retired from professional tennis following the Laver Cup.
A versatile all-court player, Federer’s grace on the court made him popular among tennis fans. Originally lacking self-control as a junior, he transformed his on-court demeanor to become well-liked for his graciousness, winning the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award 13 times. He also won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award a record five times. Outside of competition, Federer played an instrumental role in the creation of the Laver Cup team competition. He is also an active philanthropist. He established the Roger Federer Foundation, which targets impoverished children in southern Africa, and has raised funds in part through the Match for Africa exhibition series. By the end of his career, Federer was routinely one of the top ten highest-paid athletes in any sport, and ranked first among all athletes with $100 million in endorsement income in 2020.
Early life
Roger Federer, one of the most accomplished and celebrated tennis players in history, was born on August 8, 1981, in Basel, Switzerland. Here’s an overview of his early life:
- Family Background: Roger Federer was born to Swiss parents, Robert Federer and Lynette Du Rand. His father is Swiss, while his mother is South African. Federer has one sibling, an older sister named Diana.
- Introduction to Tennis: Federer showed an early interest in sports, and his parents introduced him to tennis when he was just a child. He started playing tennis at a very young age, and his talent became apparent early on.
- Coach and Training: At the age of eight, Federer started working with Swiss coach Peter Carter, who played a significant role in his development as a tennis player. Under Carter’s guidance, Federer honed his skills and developed a solid foundation in the sport.
- Early Success: Federer’s junior tennis career was marked by success. He won numerous junior titles and quickly rose through the ranks in Switzerland. His exceptional talent and dedication to the sport set the stage for his future achievements.
- Transition to the Professional Circuit: In 1998, Federer made the decision to turn professional. He faced some challenges in his early years on the professional circuit, but his determination and talent were evident. He began to gain recognition for his elegant playing style and all-court prowess.
- Breakthrough Moments: Federer’s breakthrough came in the early 2000s when he started making deep runs in major tournaments. He won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003, defeating Mark Philippoussis in straight sets. This victory marked the beginning of his dominance in men’s tennis.
Read More: Lionel Messi | Kylian Mbappé
- Playing Style: Federer is known for his graceful and versatile playing style. He possesses a complete arsenal of shots, including powerful serves, precise volleys, and stunning forehands. His fluid movement on the court and ability to adapt to various playing surfaces set him apart from his peers.
- Rise to No. 1: Federer’s success continued as he climbed to the world No. 1 ranking in 2004. He held that position for a record-breaking 310 weeks, showcasing his consistency and dominance in the sport.
Personal Life
Federer married his longtime girlfriend, Mirka Vavrinec (now Mirka Federer), in 2009. Mirka is a former professional tennis player herself. The couple met during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where they were both representing Switzerland. They have four children together: two sets of twins, Myla Rose and Charlene Riva (born in 2009), and Leo and Lennart (born in 2014).
- Sportsmanship and Humility: Federer is widely admired for his sportsmanship on and off the court. He is known for his graciousness in victory and defeat, and he often displays respect for his opponents. His humility and down-to-earth demeanor have endeared him to fans and fellow players alike.
- Philanthropy: Federer is involved in various charitable activities and foundations. In 2003, he established the Roger Federer Foundation, which focuses on providing educational opportunities and resources to underprivileged children in Africa. The foundation has supported numerous projects to improve access to quality education and healthcare for those in need.
- Interests and Hobbies: Outside of tennis, Federer has a range of interests and hobbies. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, skiing, and listening to music. He’s known for his love of fashion and has often been recognized for his stylish on-court attire.
- Injury Challenges: Like any athlete, Federer has faced his share of injuries throughout his career. He has undergone multiple surgeries, particularly on his knee, which have required him to take breaks from competitive play. Despite these setbacks, he has consistently shown determination and a strong work ethic to return to the sport he loves.
- Global Icon: Federer’s impact goes beyond the tennis court. He is recognized as a global icon and a true ambassador for the sport. His popularity has transcended borders and generations, making him one of the most recognizable and respected athletes in the world.
- Fan Engagement: Federer maintains a strong connection with his fans through social media platforms. He often shares insights into his personal life, training routines, and travels, allowing fans to feel closer to him.
- Cultural Significance: Federer’s influence extends to popular culture, and he has been referenced in movies, TV shows, and even songs. His achievements have made him a symbol of excellence and dedication in the world of sports.
Roger Federer Age Girlfriend Wife Family Biography
| Bio | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Fed-Ex (Federer Express) |
| Profession | Tennis player |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters- 185 cm in meters- 1.85 m in feet- 6′ |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Dark Brown |
| Tennis | |
| Turned pro | 1998 |
| Retired | On 15 September 2022, he announced thatv he would retire after the 2022 Laver Cup. While announcing his retirement, Fedrer said, “I have played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it’s time to end my competitive career. The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.” The Hindu On 24 September 2022, following 24 years of excellence on the court – more than 1,500 matches, 103 singles titles, and 20 grand slams, he brought down curtain on his career with a defeat. CNN |
| Last Match | The 2022 edition of Laver Cup was his final tournament in which he played alongside long-time rivals and fellow Big Four members Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray; his final match was in doubles in which he partnered Rafael Nadal and lost to Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock by 4-6, 7-6 (2), 11-9 at the O2 Arena in London on 24 September 2022. Al Jazeera |
| Career Titles | • 103 (singles) • 8 (doubles) |
| Grand Slam Titles | 20 |
| Coach/Mentor | Ivan Ljubicic |
| Nature on field | Cool |
| Favourite Shot | Forehand |
| Achievements (main ones) | • Holds the record of winning 4 consecutive Wimbledon and US open titles. • Winner of 17 Grand slams. • 88 singles career titles. • He achieved the no. 1 ranking in February 2004 • He has won 1080 games in his career while losing only 245 |
| Career Turning Point | After winning his first singles title in 2001 there was no looking back for Federer |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 8 August 1981 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 42 Years |
| Birthplace | Basel, Switzerland |
| Zodiac sign | Leo |
| Nationality | Swiss |
| Hometown | Basel, Switzerland |
| School | Dropped out at the age of 16 |
| College | N/A |
| Educational Qualifications | N/A |
| Family | Father– Robert Federer (Switzerland) Mother– Lynette Du Rand (South Africa) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | Swiss-German (Father) Afrikaner (Mother) |
| Hobbies | Golf, Skiing, Music, Playing cards, Playstation |
| Controversies | • Roger Federer was once accused of fixing a Wimbledon final match against Nadal, which he lost. Federer justified this by saying that he had only advised his businessman friend to put money on him and since he lost ,there was no point of fixing. • Federer once released a statement opposing women tennis players’ equal pay, this invited unwanted outrage. |
| Favourite Things | |
| Tennis player | Pete Sampras |
| Food | Italian and Japanese cuisines |
| Film | Gladiator, James Bond film series |
| Singer | Lenny Kravitz |
| Music Band | AC/DC |
| Girls, Family & More | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Affairs/Girlfriends | Mirka Federer |
| Wife | Mirka Federer |
| Children | 4 (twin daughters and twin sons) |
| Style Quotient | |
| Cars Collection | Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Roadster |
| Money Factor | |
| Net Worth | $350 Million |
Tennis Career
Roger Federer’s tennis career is nothing short of legendary. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, with numerous records, titles, and achievements to his name. Here’s an overview of his remarkable tennis career:
- Early Years and Breakthrough (1998-2003): Federer turned professional in 1998 and gradually made his mark on the ATP Tour. His breakthrough came in 2003 when he won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, defeating Mark Philippoussis. This victory marked the beginning of his ascent to tennis greatness.
- Dominance and World No. 1 (2004-2007): Federer’s peak years were marked by an incredible level of dominance. He held the world No. 1 ranking for a record-breaking 310 weeks, including a stretch of 237 consecutive weeks from 2004 to 2008. During this period, he won a slew of Grand Slam titles and established himself as a true force in the sport.
- Grand Slam Success: Federer has won a total of 20 Grand Slam singles titles, which is tied for the most in men’s tennis history as of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021. His Grand Slam victories are distributed across all four major tournaments:
- Australian Open: 6 titles (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018)
- French Open (Roland Garros): 1 title (2009)
- Wimbledon: 8 titles (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017)
- US Open: 5 titles (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
- Career Grand Slam: Federer achieved a career Grand Slam by winning each of the four major championships at least once. He completed his career Grand Slam at the 2009 French Open, becoming the sixth man in history to achieve this feat.
- Olympic Success: Federer has also enjoyed success in Olympic competition. He won the Olympic gold medal in doubles with his Swiss partner Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Additionally, he claimed the silver medal in singles at the 2012 London Olympics.
- Rivalries and Memorable Matches: Federer’s career is marked by intense rivalries with fellow tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Matches between these three players are often considered some of the greatest in tennis history. Federer’s elegant playing style and versatile game have contributed to his memorable battles on the court.
- Longevity and Comebacks: Federer’s ability to maintain a high level of play well into his thirties has been remarkable. He has made several comebacks from injuries and surgeries, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to the sport.
- Records and Achievements: In addition to his Grand Slam titles, Federer holds numerous records, including the most Wimbledon titles in history and the most consecutive appearances in Grand Slam tournaments. He has also spent the most weeks as the world No. 1 and has a record number of ATP Tour titles.
- Late Career and Legacy: While injuries and the rise of younger players have impacted Federer’s later career, his impact on tennis and sports as a whole remains immense. His elegant playing style, sportsmanship, and influence on the game have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in history.
International Representation
Laver Cup
Federer founded the Laver Cup, which pits Europe against the rest of the world. The tournament is named in honor of Rod Laver and the inaugural edition was played in 2017.
Europe won the inaugural Laver Cup in 2017. Federer played his first singles match on day two, when he dispatched Sam Querrey in straight sets. Later on day two, he partnered with his long-time rival Rafael Nadal in doubles, where they defeated the Team World duo of Sam Querrey and Jack Sock in the match tie breaker, which took place at one set all. This was the first time Federer and Nadal competed on the same side of a doubles match. On day three, Federer competed in the final match of the tournament, where he sealed victory for Team Europe by defeating Nick Kyrgios in the champion’s tiebreak (saving a match point). With three wins and seven points, Federer was the most accomplished player of the tournament.
The second edition was played in 2018. The European team led by Federer retained the title after defeating Team World, 13–8. Federer won both his singles matches, against Nick Kyrgios and John Isner, but lost both his doubles matches, one of which was partnering with his long-time rival Novak Djokovic.
In 2019, the ATP announced that the Laver Cup would be an official event on the ATP Tour, with match wins and losses to be counted as official on every player’s career record in singles and doubles.
The third edition was held in Geneva, Switzerland. Federer and the European team captured their third consecutive title. Team World was closer than ever to win their first title, losing 11–13 after having led during the final day. Like in 2018, Federer won singles matches against Kyrgios and Isner. He went 1–1 in doubles.
The 2022 edition marked Federer’s final professional-level tournament. He played alongside long-time rivals and fellow Big Four members Nadal, Djokovic, and Andy Murray, and his final match was in doubles partnering Rafael Nadal.
Love this atricle.