Roger Federer made clear he had no time for bed-hopping 'wife-a-year' tennis stars

Wales Online

3 days ago

Roger Federer made clear he had no time for bed-hopping 'wife-a-year' tennis stars
Tennis legend Roger Federer says a rock-solid personal life aided his incredible career, which featured 20 Grand Slam titles, with Jannik Sinner keen to follow suit
Roger Federer cherishes the stability life with Mirka has given him
(Image: Getty Images )
Roger Federer was never tempted to follow the example of some of his bed-hopping rivals during his illustrious tennis career.
The retired Swiss legend, who clinched 20 Grand Slam titles, often credited his off-court life and marriage to fellow ex-tennis player Mirka as a significant factor in his success. The couple have been inseparable since their first encounter at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and tied the knot nine years later.
Federer has suggested that his stable personal life gave him an advantage over competitors who frequently changed partners, telling the Spanish newspaper AS in 2019: "As a player, it's always good to have her because some players have a wife a year and then change her. Anything can make you happy but it can also distract you.
"My life is perfect like that. I've always been in love with the same girlfriend, from the same wife, running the family and protecting them from the press. She hasn't had an interview for 12 to 15 years so people don't know what she does."
Federer also acknowledged Mirka's profound influence not just on his tennis but on his character, given her own professional background in the sport. He added: "If I talk about tennis, she has a great impact not on my game but on my personality, because she was professional before me. I had more experience when I entered the circuit.
"I worked hard. It made me grow and mature in my early years. Her support is incredible, it always helps me, it makes my life easier no matter what I win or lose. She is a born worker. She is amazing. I hope she doesn't change. I am always for her and vice versa."
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The Federers have been together for a quarter of a century
(Image: PA )
That attitude has perhaps struck a chord with current world No.1 Jannick Sinner, 23, who is at a very different stage of his life and career. Last year, he acknowledged a relationship with fellow tennis player Anna Kalinskaya.
However, when probed about his current romantic situation in May, he confirmed his single status while also refuting rumours linking him to model Lara Leito.
Sinner says he has recognised the value of a stable personal life, much like Federer, while acknowledging relationships aren't easy given the year-round nature of top-level tennis. He told Vanity Fair Italia: "No, of course it's not easy [having a relationship]. I travel a lot and during tournaments I'm very focused.
Jannik Sinner is keen to keep his private life under wraps like Federer
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"But I think it's a beautiful thing when you find the right love, like for everyone. And then, if you think about it, the best tennis players in the world all have wives and children."
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Emphasising his need for privacy, he said: "I like talking about tennis, and sports in general. But if it refers to my private life, it's true, I want to keep it that way.
"I want to protect the people closest to me, keeping them out of all this. I see it as a small task to do, almost a duty. They helped me, when I was young, to gain self-confidence, and today, in some way, I want to protect them."
Sinner remains on track for his first Wimbledon title, taking only an hour and 40 minutes to overcome Australian Aleksandar Vukic in straight sets, dropping just five games in the process, to set up a third-round clash with Spain's Pedro Martinez on Saturday.