Roger Federer is no stranger to the spotlight. As one of the greatest tennis players of all time, he has captured the attention of millions with his skill, poise, and grace on the court. But Federer’s life off the court has always been a subject of great interest as well. Despite his global fame, Federer has managed to keep much of his personal life private, especially when it comes to his family. However, in a recent interview, the Swiss tennis legend dropped a bombshell about his children that left fans and followers in complete shock.
For years, Federer has been seen as the epitome of a family man. Married to former tennis player Mirka Vavrinec since 2009, Federer is the proud father of two sets of twins—daughters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva, born in 2009, and sons Leo and Lennart, born in 2014. His children have often been spotted in the stands, cheering him on at major tournaments, but the Federers have always maintained a certain level of privacy when it comes to their kids’ upbringing and personal lives.
So, when Federer decided to open up about his family in a recent interview, it caught everyone by surprise. He has always been careful about the media’s portrayal of his children, ensuring they could lead normal lives despite the enormous fame that comes with being the offspring of a global superstar. But this time, Federer let the world in on something deeply personal, something no one saw coming.
### The Shocking Revelation
In the interview, Federer revealed that his children are not as interested in tennis as many people might have expected. This came as a surprise to many, considering their father’s legendary status in the sport. Federer admitted that while his children occasionally hit balls with him for fun, they don’t share the same passion for tennis that he has. “They enjoy playing, but it’s more casual. I’ve never pushed them to pursue tennis seriously, and they have their own interests,” Federer shared.
This revelation was a surprise to many fans, who had assumed that at least one of Federer’s children might follow in his footsteps, perhaps becoming the next great tennis star. But Federer was quick to emphasize that he doesn’t want his children to feel pressured into taking up the sport just because of his legacy. “I want them to find their own path in life, whatever that may be. Tennis has given me so much, but it doesn’t mean it’s what’s right for them,” he added.
The Swiss star elaborated on how he and his wife, Mirka, have always prioritized raising their children away from the pressures of the tennis world. “We’ve always tried to give them as normal a childhood as possible. Yes, they travel with us sometimes and they’ve been to some of the biggest tennis events in the world, but at the end of the day, they’re just kids who want to play with their friends and enjoy life. We don’t want to take that away from them.”
### The Emotional Struggles Behind the Scene
However, that wasn’t the only revelation Federer made during the interview. He also opened up about the emotional struggles of balancing his professional career with his role as a father. Federer admitted that throughout his career, he had often felt torn between his love for tennis and his desire to be present for his children.
“There were moments when I felt guilty,” Federer confessed. “I would be away for weeks or months at a time, competing in tournaments around the world, and I knew that I was missing important moments in my children’s lives. Their first steps, their first words—I missed some of those moments, and that was hard for me.”
This candid admission resonated with many working parents around the world, who often face the same difficult choices between career and family. Federer’s vulnerability in sharing this aspect of his life struck a chord with fans, many of whom praised him for being open about the emotional toll that such decisions can take.
Federer also shared how retirement has allowed him to focus more on his family. Since stepping away from professional tennis, Federer has been able to spend more time with his children, and he’s been relishing the opportunity to be a more hands-on dad. “Now that I’m retired, I get to be there for all the little moments. I can pick them up from school, help them with their homework, and just spend quality time together. It’s been wonderful.”
The Future of Federer’s Children
With Federer’s children still young, there’s always the possibility that one or more of them might develop an interest in tennis later on. But for now, Federer is content to let them explore their own passions. He mentioned that his daughters are more interested in artistic activities, while his sons are currently obsessed with football.
“They love football, especially Leo. He’s a huge fan of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and he’s constantly playing with his friends,” Federer said with a smile. “It’s fun to see them develop their own interests and become their own people.”
Despite his children’s current lack of interest in tennis, Federer remains hopeful that they will appreciate the sport in their own way as they grow older. “I think as they get older, they might start to understand what tennis has meant to me and to our family. Maybe one day they’ll want to learn more about it, but for now, I’m happy just watching them enjoy life.”
The Legacy Federer Wants to Leave
Federer’s revelations about his children have sparked widespread discussion among fans and media alike. Many have commented on how refreshing it is to see a global superstar prioritize his family over fame and fortune. Federer’s approach to parenting has earned him even more admiration from his already large fanbase, who appreciate his humility and dedication to being a good father.
For Federer, the legacy he wants to leave is not just about his achievements on the tennis court. While he is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Federer’s focus now is on being a role model for his children and teaching them important values.
“I hope my children remember me not just as a tennis player, but as someone who cared about them, who was there for them when it mattered,” Federer said. “At the end of the day, family is what’s most important to me. Tennis has been a huge part of my life, but being a father is the greatest joy I’ve ever known.”
A Life Beyond Tennis
As Federer continues to enjoy his retirement, it’s clear that he is embracing this new chapter of his life with enthusiasm. While his fans may miss seeing him dominate on the tennis court, many are thrilled to see him thriving in his role as a father and family man.
The revelations he made about his children have only deepened the public’s affection for him. Federer’s openness and honesty about the challenges and joys of parenthood have made him even more relatable, and his fans will no doubt continue to follow his journey, both as a tennis icon and as a devoted father.
In a world where the pressures of fame often overshadow the importance of family, Roger Federer’s commitment to his children serves as a powerful reminder that even the greatest champions know where their true priorities lie.