How Roger Federer became the King of Wimbledon

Roger Federer will arrive in London this week looking like a successful Swiss banker, suave in appearance, multi-lingual and rich beyond imagination.

He mostly travels by private jet and he lives in splendour in Switzerland and Dubai with his wife Mirka, and their twin daughters, Charlene and Myla.

But no matter the privileged life he leads, no matter the opportunities that lie ahead as the sun begins to set on the most illustrious career tennis has seen, Federer’s spiritual home will be for ever within the lavishly-tended acreage of the All-England Club, in London SW19.

In the past decade, he has been almost a permanent presence on Centre Court on the day of the men’s final at Wimbledon, and the British public have witnessed, with unrestrained admiration, Federer’s journey from a pony-tailed tennis hippy to the game’s senior statesman.

That Federer will walk into the All-England Club as the defending champion just  a couple of months from his 32nd birthday will be a source of great pride. Only Rafael Nadal has beaten him in the eight finals he has played on Centre Court — in a match that finished in near-darkness in 2008; a game regarded as the greatest final in Wimbledon history.

For Federer, the 10th anniversary of the first of his seven titles is a moment to savour. ‘If you take all the other tournaments away and just talk about Wimbledon, there alone, I’ve had an amazing career,’ he said.

‘I always hoped just to be playing at Wimbledon like my heroes, Stefan Edberg, Pete Sampras and Boris Becker, let alone think about winning there. I can’t believe it’s 10 years since I first won; what a magical run it’s been.’

Federer’s dominance there will be chronicled not just for the brilliance of his tennis — astute judges from Rod Laver to John McEnroe acclaimed him as the greatest player of all time in the middle of the last decade — but also for his sartorial choices.

He won his first two titles in 2003 and ’04 wearing his long hair tied in a short ponytail above a headband. He won his fifth successive championship in 2007, equalling the record of Bjorn Borg, by walking on court in long trousers and a blazer with his initials embroidered in gold thread on the breast pocket.

It was a reflection of Federer’s desire to embrace tradition without fear of ridicule, or failure. By then, the pony-tailed kid was just  a photograph in the Wimbledon museum.

No one could live with Federer. American Andy Roddick, who lost three Wimbledon finals against him, said after his first defeat in 2004: ‘I threw the kitchen sink at him but he went to the bathroom and got his tub.’

Yet, speaking to the BBC, Federer reveals himself to be feeling the burden of expectation tightening like  a noose around his neck at Wimbledon before his first title. He had won eight titles on the ATP Tour, but two years had passed since he had beaten seven-time champion Sampras at Wimbledon and he sensed  a growing impatience at his failure to translate his talent into a major title.

‘In Switzerland, we had Martina Hingis, who was this phenomenon at 16,’ said Federer. ‘At 17, 18, she was winning, dominating, and we got used to it. It was considered I had talent, but it became a challenge for me.  I had to keep my mental side in check, and stay strong. Physically, I had to keep improving as I knew I wasn’t there yet. With that win over Sampras, I really gave many people a belief that I should win a Grand Slam, and if I did, it would be Wimbledon.  I came to Wimbledon in 2003 under a lot of pressure, having lost in the first round the previous year.'

After beating Roddick in the semi-finals, he dismantled Mark Philippoussis to lift the gold trophy for the first time. ‘I had a back issue during the fortnight,’ he said. ‘It was very complicated to manage but we did so. And it was  a dream come true.

‘I had faced a lot of criticism and doubts. People were questioning if I was ever going to win one [major]. Looking back, you think how could people say that? But, in that moment, people were comparing me to Pete Sampras; and he won 60-something titles, and  I had won barely five. Basically, that’s not fair.’

Federer’s first triumph was a catalyst for him to assemble a record 17 Grand Slams. Sampras was in the Royal Box when Federer’s win over Roddick in 2009 enabled the Swiss to eclipse the American’s haul of 14 majors. ‘He’s won all the majors and he’s won 15,’ said Sampras. ‘In my books he is the greatest. Roger is a great champion. He’s a friend,  a great player and he can  get up to 18 or 19. He’s a legend, an icon and a credit to the game.’

Federer is treated as tennis royalty at Wimbledon. When a surprise party was arranged to celebrate his 30th birthday in Switzerland in August 2011, Tim Phillips, who was Wimbledon chairman through most of Federer’s success, was invited. Last summer Federer had a more public celebration when he won for a seventh time, beating gallant Andy Murray.

Tiger Woods wrote on Twitter: ‘Hats off to Murray for a great fight. But we saw why Fed is the GOAT.’ That acronym is shorthand for The Greatest of All Time.

Federer’s peerless story is nearing its end, but these Championships will be a celebration of his extraordinary contribution to the history of Wimbledon, as well as tennis.

‘It’s not over yet,’ said Federer, perhaps still a tennis hippy at heart in spite of all his wealth and elegance.

Date: 16th June 2013, Source: Dailymail

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Federer wins sixth Halle title

World No. 3 Roger Federer won his first title of the season, and the 77th of his career, on Sunday as he came from a set down to beat Mikhail Youzhny 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 in the final of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle. His 77 titles see him draw level with John McEnroe in third position in the career titles list.

''I feel fit; I feel confident. I feel fit and fresh and that’s very important at this point in the season. I'm excited about what's to come now,'' Federer said. ''I'm very pleased with how I played this week. Mikhail was playing good enough to win today. No doubt about it."

The Swiss lifted the trophy in Halle for the sixth time, having previously triumphed in 2003-06 and 2008 (d. Kohlschreiber). He also finished runner-up in 2010 (l. to Hewitt) and 2012 (l. to Haas) and has a 43-5 event record.

The 31-year-old Federer clinched his 13th tour-level grass-court title, having also won The Championships at Wimbledon seven times. He will look to complete the Halle-Wimbledon double for the fifth time (2003-06) by retaining the Wimbledon crown he won last year with victory over Andy Murray.

"I'm very happy. It was a great week for me and my family," said Federer. "I thought I played well from the start and I really had to fight for it, in the semis against Tommy Haas and in the finals against Mikhail Youzhny. I think I did well today and they are exactly the kind of wins I need at this part of the season. I've been preparing well for this part of the season and I'm happy it's paying off. It's obviously important for my confidence looking forward to Wimbledon now."

Federer improved to a 15-0 Head 2 Head record over Youzhny, dropping a set for only the fourth time against the Russian, whom he beat at both Halle and Wimbledon last year.

With such a dominant record over Youzhny, top seed Federer fired at the start of the final to win the first three points on his opponent's serve. However, the Russian did not crumble as he saved four break points to move a game in front.

Federer conveyed a contrast in holds by making it 1-1 to love, but Youzhny began to improve on his serve as an ace clinched the third game and the lead once again.

Youzhny with a wide forehand was unable to convert his first break opportunity of the contest and allowed Federer to level, and the former was now starting to grow in confidence thanks to a fine winner down the line.

It was Federer who felt the pressure of playing catch-up in the set, and a double fault opened the door for Youzhny at 15-30. But, with the aid of two aces Federer quickly slammed it shut to make it 3-3.

The following four games were shared between the pair, and Federer failed to take advantage with a crucial break to lead 6-5. When Youzhny held to lead by that score line, his break point was one for the set, but with a serve out wide Federer thwarted the Russian and forced a tiebreak.

And the tiebreak swung one way and then the other as both players raised their level. Youzhny secured the mini break at 4-3 when Federer over hit a backhand and opened a two-point lead, but the Swiss rallied back to get to 5-5.

However, the momentum of the world No. 3 was halted when he hit the net, and with a second set point to his name, Youzhny clinched the set with a volley to seize the initiative.

A lapse in concentration from Federer handed Youzhny the opening set, but the Wimbledon champion erased the sloppy errors and turned into a force in the second - producing brilliant cross-court winners and not dropping points in three of his first four service games.

A run of eight consecutive points enabled Federer to break at 5-3 as he capitalised on serving first in the set, and with it Federer sent the final into a decider.

Both players were strong on their serve in the final set, but for only the second time in the match Youzhny struggled on his in the seventh game, and on the back of consecutive love services Federer pounced by digging a backhand down the line.

And with the break in the bag Federer closed out the win to get his hands on a first trophy of the season, and a sixth on the grass courts of Halle. The record 17-time grand slam champion goes into SW19 full of confidence to defend his Wimbledon title. Wimbledon starts from 24th of June 2013.

''I tried everything but Roger was just better. I cannot do anything about it. The difference was that he was better today - he's been better all his life,'' Youzhny said.

Date: 16th June 2013, Source: ATP and ESPN

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Federer reaches 8th successive final in Halle

Roger Federer edged closer to his first title of the season when he came from a set down to beat defending champion Tommy Haas 3-6 6-3 6-4 and book a place in Sunday's Gerry Weber Open, Halle final (eighth successive final in Halle) against Mikhail Youzhny.

After a patchy start on Saturday the Swiss looked sharp on the grass as he prepares for his title defense at Wimbledon later this month.

Federer, five-times champion at Halle, will take on Russian Youzhny, who outclassed former Wimbledon semi-finalist Richard Gasquet of France 6-3 6-2.

"I felt good out there, and as I had predicted it was a tough match," Federer, the world number three, said in a courtside interview.

"I have not won a title this year, twice I have lost here in the final in the past years. It will not be easy but I am really looking forward to it."

Federer had 15 aces and Haas finished with nine double-faults. Consecutive double-faults by Haas at the end of the third game of the final set gave Federer the decisive edge.

''On the big points, Roger showed again what qualities he has,'' Haas said. ''I think I still played well and gave my best.''

"It would be very nice to win any title during the season, because it gives you incredible confidence," said Federer. "You know that you're on the right track, you know you're doing the right things, the hard work is paying off and your scheduling seems to make sense. Winning tournaments is everything. For me, it would be great to win the final. It comes at the right time. If I don't, I know I can still build on something because I've had a good few weeks so far. But, no doubt about it, I'll try everything in my power to win tomorrow."

Having finished runner-up in 2010 (l. to Hewitt) and 2012 (l. to Haas), Federer is looking to reclaim the trophy he won from 2003-06 and 2008. He is 12-4 in grass-court finals, having also won The Championships at Wimbledon seven times, including last year (d. Murray).

Federer improved to an 11-3 Head 2 Head record over Haas as he rallied from a set down for victory in one hour and 38 minutes. The Basel native, who joined with Haas for the first time in doubles this week – they lost in the first round – was broken in the sixth game of the first set as he lost the opener. But he quickly wrestled momentum from Haas, racing to a 3-0 second set lead before levelling the match. Another early break in the third set paid dividends for Federer as he unseated the defending champion.

"It was a great match for me to play and then also to win," said Federer. "Tommy can play really well here. We saw that last year here and in previous years he’s also been successful. I’m very happy that I was able to maintain really a high level of play."

"After losing the first set, there’s not that much margin anymore. I think he won most of the big points in the first set. Then in the second and third I was able to turn it around and win the big points myself. So, it was a big, good win for me. And I thought the quality was also extremely high."

"It was a very close match, a very good match," said Haas. "At the beginning of the second set, he was trying to be a little bit more aggressive. He played some really great points and deserved to break me early on. He started serving very well and didn't give me many chances to try and break him. Once he starts running ahead, he's very hard to catch up, especially on grass."

Date: 15th June 2013, Source: Reuters and ATP

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Federer demolishes Zverev to reach Halle semifinal

Roger Federer needed a mere 39 minutes to demolish hapless wild-card entrant Mischa Zverev of Germany 6-0, 6-0 and book his spot in the Gerry Weber Open semi-finals on Friday.

The Swiss was in spectacular form on Halle's grass court, gifting the world number 156 not a single break ball throughout the match which was his second double-bagel win in his career.

Federer, 31, has played 1,107 tour-level matches (902-205) since turning professional in 1998. He also beat Gaudio Gaudio 6-0, 6-0 at the 2005 Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai (now known as the ATP World Tour Finals).

Federer, preparing to defend his Wimbledon crown later this month, told reporters: "I feel sorry for Mischa."

''It's not something which is easy to do. You never go into a match aiming for that score,'' Federer said. ''I was very surprised that it happened today, especially on grass."

''I think it is disappointing for a serve and volley player to go down like this. It shows also how easy it is to hit passing shots or returns today in this day and age. But I really expected him to cause me more trouble with his serve. First of all, he is a lefty. And then it is a grass court, he is a serve-and-volley player, so you always think he’ll find a way to make me feel uncomfortable somewhat with my backhand."

"I just had a pretty easy time picking up his serve, and made a ton of returns, and always made him hit first volleys under the net. And then eventually maybe he forced a bit too much, or didn’t believe as much anymore in his own serve, and that gave me a lot of opportunities."

"This is not really how I want to win my games; it is a bit uncomfortable. Now I need to switch from today's match to tomorrow's difficult encounter." added the five-times Halle champion and last year's runner-up.

He will now play German veteran Tommy Haas in a repeat of last year's final.

Date: 14th June 2013, Source: Reuters

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Federer eases past Stebe in straight sets

Roger Federer is on course to win his sixth Gerry Weber Open title after a 6-3 6-3 second round victory over Germany's Cedrik-Marcel Stebe in Halle and claims his 40th win at the event.

The Swiss had Stebe under pressure from the start, breaking in the very first game with several deep forehands which had the world No. 166 pegged to the baseline.

Stebe failed to break back, handing number one seed Federer several easy points for a routine service hold. The 17-time grand slam singles champion returned the favour with misplaced backhands to allow Stebe his first game on the board.

It proved a momentary lapse from the world No. 3 as Federer again hit deep towards the baseline to force the pressure; it soon paid off as Stebe netted his forehand to gift the double break.

The German rallied in his response, breaking to pull it back to 5-3, but Federer wrapped up the first set in 33 minutes when Stebe slammed his cross-court backhand into the net.

It proved a similar story in the second, as Federer broke early once more to establish the advantage when Stebe's forehand went too long.

Federer hardly had to move out of second gear as his opponent offered little resistance when facing serve, and despite Stebe looking to settle himself with two holds, Federer simply appeared too strong when defending his own.

Despite suffering a second double fault when serving for his first match point, Federer did not make the same mistake when rushing to volley a backhand winner over the net and complete victory in little over an hour.

Federer now faces world No. 156 Mischa Zverev in the quarter-final on Friday.

Date: 12th June 2013, Source: ESPN

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Federer visits children at hospital in Bielefeld

Five-time Halle champion Roger Federer visited the Bodelschwingsche Stiftung Bethel Childrens Hospital in Bielefeld on Monday, leaving patients with an experience to remember.

The Swiss superstar also joined Gerry Weber Open tournament director Ralf Weber to present a €5,000 donation to chief physician, Professor Dr. Johannes Otte.

“It was nice to see what the Gerry Weber Open does for these kids who are not so well. It was also nice to see the hospital has a vision,” Federer told ATPWorldTour.com. “We visited the room inspired by Marco Chiudinelli, who is a good friend of mine. Next year, they'll do my room. I'm always happy to create some awareness. I've heard a lot about it and was happy to be there in person.”

Weber said, “It was a very touching image seeing Roger sitting amongst the young patients and intensively interacting with them. I am happy that he was able to give the children such great moment and memory.”

Federer is no stranger to philanthropic efforts. The 31-year-old has his own foundation, the Roger Federer Foundation, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and was the ATP’s Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year in 2006.

“We have achieved a lot but still I always have the feeling that we are right at the beginning,” Federer said during his pre-tournament press conference.

“I’m always happy when the foundation takes up my time, whether it concerns foundation meetings when we meet three four times per year to choose new projects or discuss which direction to take or which area to support. We have huge plans for the next year. I try to invest a lot of time and money. It really means a lot to me that the children we support can go to school and learn a profession. That is very important and needs time.”

In 2012, the Bodelschwingsche Stiftung Bethel  Childrens Hospital was awarded a €10,000 grant as part of the ATP ACES for Charity grant programme. The Gerry Weber Open has donated €65,000 over the past years for three therapy rooms. Named the “Dwingi rooms”, they are decorated with modern therapeutic facilities, which offer young cancer patients more intimacy and independence.

Otte praised the generous support of the tournament, explaining the rooms “will significantly help the healing process of ill children. Our young patients really love these rooms. For us, they are an important therapeutic support.”

Date: 11th June 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer expects 2nd half of year to be better

It's nearly mid-June and Roger Federer is still without a title in 2013. Back on grass in one of his favorite tournaments, Federer is confident his best is yet to come.

Federer is the top-seeded player in Halle, one of the grass-court warm-up tournaments for Wimbledon. Four of his seven Wimbledon titles came after Federer also won in Halle.

''Halle is one of my favorite places on the tour, and being successful there makes it even more likable,'' said Federer, who will be seeking his sixth title in the cozy event, where players step on court practically from their hotel rooms.

Federer is coming off a quarterfinal loss to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the French Open last week.

''Paris has little to do with Halle or Wimbledon, but looking back I am really disappointed with my match against Tsonga,'' Federer said. ''There are days like that, but fortunately there haven't been so many in my career, and I hope there won't be that many to come.''

Federer reached 10 straight Grand Slam finals from 2005-07, winning eight titles. He also appeared in eight major finals from 2008-10, winning four. But since that run ended, Federer has played in just two of the last 13 Grand Slam title matches, winning one at Wimbledon last year.

At 31, the winner of a record 17 major titles could be slowing down. He has also had a back injury during the first half of the year.

''I didn't really expect to necessarily win a lot of titles, and I thought I played well in Rome and Paris, until the match with Tsonga,'' Federer said Monday at the start of the Halle tournament.

He lost the Rome final in two quick sets to Rafael Nadal, who pulled out of the Halle event to rest after his eighth French Open title.

''I now feel that the best time for me is still to come in the second half of the year. It's a very important phase of the year, leading to Wimbledon and the North American swing with the U.S. Open,'' Federer said.

''To win here in Halle would be a good buildup for Wimbledon,'' he said.

Date: 10th June 2013, Source: AP

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Federer/Haas beaten by Melzer/Petzschner

It was the first big highlight of the 2013 Gerry Weber Open – for Roger Federer and Tommy Haas, it ended without success. For the first time, the two good friends joined up in the doubles, but they lost their first-round match to Philipp Petzschner and Jürgen Melzer 6-7, 4-6.

“It’s all about getting a bit of rhythm and timing on grass,” said Haas before the game. “That’s enormously important, particularly on grass and when you have a bye into the second round.” That worked rather well with Haas and Federer showing they were very alert in front of an enthusiastic crowd on Center Court. They soon led 2-0, but they wasted a break which would have made it 4-1, and that proved decisive. Melzer and Petzschner became more decisive, returning stronger and breaking back before taking the first set on a tie-break.

Federer and Haas continued to deliver a tense and spectacular battle against the Wimbledon and US Open champions. But when Haas dropped serve at 3-4, the game was as good as over. Jürgen Melzer and Philipp Petzschner, who warmed up wearing a shirt of football club Arminia Bielefeld with the words “congratulations on promotion” to the 2. Bundesliga, held serve twice to take victory.

“It was great fun, it’s just a shame that it wasn't quite enough,” said Federer. “I just made a few too many mistakes, which is why I’m not all that satisfied today.” Haas added: “It’s incredible - we’ve known each other for so long and only play doubles together today for the first time. Unfortunately, we didn’t take our chances, but we were up against a strong pairing who already know how to play doubles.” Both Federer and Haas now have a break until Wednesday at the earliest before starting their singles’ campaigns. Melzer and Petzschner are both in action on Tuesday with their opening singles’ matches.

Date: 10th June 2013, Source: Gerry Weber Open

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Roger Federer and Tommy Haas to play doubles in Halle

It’s the best of both worlds at the 21st Gerry Weber Open: Roger Federer and Tommy Haas are both going to go in search of the doubles title - together. The 31-year-old Federer and the 35-year-old Haas are close friends, and so too are their families. Their start together in Halle is a premiere in the careers of the two stars. “This is great news for our fans,” said tournament director Ralf Weber. “And it’s a spectacular enrichment for the whole tournament.”

Only recently, the maestro and the “Golden Oldie” took part in a combined training camp in Switzerland to prepare themselves for the clay court season. Last year, the two firm fans’ favourites battled it out for the singles title at the 20th anniversary edition of Germany’s only ATP event on grass, and Haas emerged as the surprise champion. Only recently, Federer underlined his great respect for Haas’ comeback among the world’s elite. “What he’s achieved is simply unbelievable,” he said. “It’s also fantastic for our sport and for the fans in Germany." Haas, meanwhile, has always referred to Federer as “the best ambassador you could ever imagine in tennis.”

Both are serious candidates for the singles title at the 21st Gerry Weber Open, and will also be firm favourites for the doubles, which they could both win.

Date: 8th June 2013, Source: Gerry Weber Open

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Robert Federer: An Unquenchable Thirst for Travel

Thanks to his father's globetrotting lifestyle Switzerland became home to the most successful player in the history of tennis. In this portrait, the 66-year-old talks about his thirst for travel, how he moved to Basel at the age of 20, before finally heading for South Africa, where he met his wife-to-be.

"Talent" That's Robert Federer's immediate response when asked which of his own traits he sees in his son. But it's accompanied by hearty laughter, drawing his eyes into narrow slits and raising his bushy brows. This is a man who laughs a lot, and who knows how to look on the bright side of life at all times. It's true that he got his wife Lynette – and thus, indirectly, his son as well – into tennis. But he also knows that she provided the better genes as far as athletic talent is concerned. "She was already an outstanding field hockey player when I met her," he recalls. "But she had problems with her legs because of all the hits."

Wife Lynette Is the Better Tennis Player

Robert Federer – "Robbie" to his friends – was an avid tennis player. His playing ability (R3) made him an above-average recreational player with an aggressive, attacking style. "But Lynette was always better than me," he concedes. She continues to outclass him – though these days it's with the golf clubs. Her handicap is 13, compared with his 20. "I would love to play a bit more, but I'm not a golf obsessive," he says. In tennis, things were different. Even on the weekend when his son came into the world he was busy playing in a tournament.

Birth of "Rotschi"

On the night of August 8, 1981, a Saturday, he was out with his tennis colleagues when the club house received an urgent telephone call for him after midnight. "It was Lynette, saying: You better come home now," he recalls. He rode home – he still had a small motorcycle at the time – before continuing to the hospital in Basel. "Rotschi" – as he calls his son – was born at 8 that morning.

Passed on Not Only His Looks But Also His Thirst for Travel

There is no doubt he passed on his looks to his son. "If my father, Rotschi and I were to stand side-by-side, we would all look the same. All of them have those distinct eyebrows, the same look around the eyes. In the past people told me I was the spitting image of my father, and with Roger it's exactly the same." Something else he passed on to the record-setting tennis ace was an urge to discover the world, to travel, and to not allow himself to feel constrained in his outlook.

Apprenticeship As a Lab Technician

This is perhaps connected to the fact that it was in Berneck, in the parochial, slightly remote St. Gallen Rhine Valley, that he came into the world on June 18, 1946. His father worked at Viscosuisse, a rayon factory in Widnau known by the locals as simply "Viscose." Robert Federer also served an apprenticeship there. "But at the age of 20, I wanted out," he recalls. 1966 saw the lab technician move to Basel, the capital of the chemicals industry, where he found work with the firm Ciba.

South Africa – and an Important Coincidence

In 1970, the small group of friends he had made went their own way and he was once again seized by the desire to travel. But where to? Australia? America? Israel? "I decided on South Africa. At that time, it wasn't a land of immigration. I obtained a visa, and flew to Johannesburg." He was to live there for three-and-a-half years, and would soon get to know his future wife – in the company cafeteria. The fact that the firm in question was Ciba once again was a major coincidence. "It was weird," he says. "I'd already found a job in a factory when I went to register with the consulate. They had a few job ads in which Swiss firms were looking for people. I saw that Ciba also had vacancies, and began working there again. And I remained with that company until my retirement." He and Lynette were members of Johannesburg's Swiss Club, where they were soon playing tennis on a regular basis. As to why they decided to leave South Africa and return to Basel in 1973, Robert Federer is no longer sure exactly. "There wasn't really any reason. At some point we just got the feeling that it was time to come home." What he does remember clearly, however, is his initial, strong feeling that the decision to return to Basel had been a mistake. "I had my head in my hands, and was saying: Heavens, why have I come home! We'd had a good life down there." But the young couple did stay on in the Basel region. They married in 1973; Diana was born in 1979, followed by Roger 20 months later.

Spending the Night Among Lions and Elephants

The freedom-loving father and now grandfather of four, who can still be found riding a Harley-Davidson on occasion, has retained his love for and attachment to southern Africa. "I absolutely adore being there," he says. He is fascinated by wild animals and landscapes, including on television. "Traveling with friends to countries like Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Zambia and spending the night practically among the lions and elephants gives you an incredible feeling," he explains. His father was also an avid traveler, "even though he only rode around Switzerland on his moped," he explains. "Our family has travel in its blood." He himself regularly took two years' vacation all at once, so that he could stay in Africa for five or six weeks – usually over Christmas. "Lynette then flew out ahead of me with the children, to spend time with her siblings and relatives."

Traveled the Entire African Continent

Roger's first visit to South Africa came before his first birthday, as Robert also traveled far and wide through his job as a lab technician specializing in paper. He traveled the entire African continent, including Arabic countries, from Morocco through Egypt to Israel. "I traveled often to Eastern Europe, Russia, and Poland," he recalls, "As well as Greece, India, and Australia." He once spent three months working in Melbourne, and also three months in Sydney in 1995. "Toward the end of that time, Lynette came down with the children, and we spent our vacation together." Roger was barely 14 at the time, and was about to complete his "Tennis Etudes" program at the Swiss National Tennis Center in Ecublens on Lake Geneva.

Sydney – and a Tearful Decision

Robert Federer actually had an offer of a permanent job in Australia from Ciba. If he took it, he and his family would have to leave Switzerland. "It did appeal to me. Sydney is one of the most beautiful places in the world," he says slightly wistfully. It was one of the most difficult decisions of his life. The entire family was involved, "for four weeks we were torn in different directions." Two factors ultimately made them decide to stay in Switzerland: "First, we'd have lost our entire circle of friends. Second was Roger: He was already a top talent in Europe at that time, and we asked ourselves: Would he have equally good opportunities in Australia? We were very lucky with the support Swiss Tennis gave us, and everything was working well." A little world fell apart for Roger and his older sister Diana when we made that decision. "But I think we made the right choice," he says today.

Excited by South America

Robert Federer filled in one of the last gaps on his globetrotter map last December when his son accompanied him on a 10-day tour of South America that took in Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. He raves about the warmth and exuberance of the people, scenic attractions such as the Iguaçu Falls, and a brief stay in Rio de Janeiro. He took the short trip from São Paulo to the home of Sugar Loaf Mountain by helicopter, across the Brazilian jungle and fascinating coastline. "It was great getting the chance to discover something new again," he says. There's no doubt that being the father of an international star has its advantages.

Date: 7th June 2013, Source: Credit Suisse

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