Childhood and Education Journey of Roger Federer in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Roger Federer, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Roger Federer is a Swiss former professional tennis player renowned for his remarkable career. He held the world No. 1 ranking for 310 weeks, including a record 237 consecutive weeks, and concluded the year as No. 1 on five occasions. Federer secured 103 singles titles on the ATP Tour, the second-highest in the Open Era. His accomplishments include 20 major men's singles titles and six year-end championships, solidifying his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

August 1981: Roger Federer's Birth

On August 8, 1981, Roger Federer was born in Basel, Switzerland, to Robert Federer and Lynette Federer (née Durand).

1995: Training at Swiss National Tennis Center

Between 1995 and 1997, Roger Federer trained at the Swiss National Tennis Center, then located in Ecublens in the canton of Vaud.

1995: U14 Swiss National Junior Championship Win

In 1995, at age 13, Roger Federer won the U14 Swiss national junior championship and was invited to train at the National Tennis Centre in Écublens.

1997: Completion of Compulsory Education

In July 1997, Roger Federer completed his compulsory education at La Planta secondary school in Chavannes-près-Renens and obtained his certificate.

1999: Discharge from Military Service Due to Back Problem

In 1999, Roger Federer was discharged from compulsory military service in Switzerland due to a chronic back problem, which would continue to affect his career.

1999: Drafted into Swiss Armed Forces

In 1999, upon turning 18, Roger Federer was drafted into the Swiss Armed Forces as part of his compulsory military service, a requirement for all able-bodied male Swiss citizens at the time.

2000: Meeting Miroslava Vavrinec

In 2000, Roger Federer met Miroslava Vavrinec, who became his wife, while competing for Switzerland at the Sydney Olympics.

2002: Miroslava Federer's Retirement

In 2002, Miroslava "Mirka" Federer retired from the Women's Tennis Association tour due to a foot injury.

2002: First Masters Title and Coach's Death

In 2002, Roger Federer won his first Masters title in Hamburg, defeating Marat Safin, and reached his first Masters final at the Miami event. On August 1, Federer's coach and mentor, Peter Carter, died in a car crash.

2003: Exemption from Military Service

In 2003, Roger Federer was deemed "unsuitable" and exempted from his mandatory military service in Switzerland. He then served in the civil protection force and paid 3% of his taxable income.

2004: Indian Ocean Earthquake

In 2004, the Indian Ocean earthquake, the cause for the Rally for Relief event organized by Roger Federer in 2005, devastated communities and prompted Federer's philanthropic efforts.

2005: Rally for Relief and US Open Racquet Auction

In 2005, Roger Federer organized the 'Rally for Relief' exhibition at the Pacific Life Open to benefit victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. He also auctioned his racquet from his US Open championship in 2005 to support victims of Hurricane Katrina.

April 2006: Appointment as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

In April 2006, Roger Federer was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador by UNICEF, using his platform to raise public awareness about AIDS through UNICEF public service announcements.

December 2006: Visit to Tamil Nadu

In December 2006, Roger Federer visited Tamil Nadu, an area in India greatly affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, showing his support and bringing attention to the ongoing recovery efforts.

2006: Meeting Pope Benedict XVI

While playing at the 2006 Italian Open in Rome, Roger Federer, who was raised Roman Catholic, met Pope Benedict XVI, describing it as "the perfect day".

December 2007: Possible Onset of Mononucleosis

Roger Federer suspected he may have contracted mononucleosis as early as December 2007, though it was not formally diagnosed until March 2008.

March 2008: Diagnosis of Mononucleosis

In March 2008, Roger Federer revealed that he had been diagnosed with mononucleosis and may have been suffering from it since as early as December 2007, significantly impacting his fitness.

2008: Partnership with Mercedes-Benz

In 2008, Roger Federer partnered with the German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, marking the beginning of a long-term endorsement relationship.

April 2009: Marriage to Miroslava Federer

On April 11, 2009, Roger Federer married Miroslava "Mirka" Federer (née Vavrinec) at Wenkenhof Villa in Riehen near Basel, surrounded by close friends and family.

2009: Brand Ambassador for Lindt

Since 2009, Roger Federer has been the brand ambassador for Lindt, aligning with the company's values of Swiss heritage, premium quality, and overall excellence.

2010: Hit for Haiti Charity Event

In 2010, Roger Federer organized 'Hit for Haiti' during the Australian Open with other tennis players to raise funds for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. He also participated in a follow-up charity exhibition during the 2010 Indian Wells Masters, raising $1 million.

2010: Global Partnership Deal with Mercedes-Benz

In 2010, Roger Federer's endorsement deal with Mercedes-Benz was extended into a global partnership, signifying a deeper collaboration.

2010: Match for Africa

In 2010, the Nadal vs. Federer "Match for Africa" in Zürich and Madrid raised over $4 million for the Roger Federer Foundation and Fundación Rafa Nadal.

January 2011: Rally for Relief for Queensland Flood Victims

In January 2011, Roger Federer participated in 'Rally for Relief', an exhibition event to raise money for the victims of the Queensland floods in Australia.

December 2013: Stefan Edberg Joins Federer's Team

On 27 December 2013, Roger Federer announced that Stefan Edberg was joining his team as co-coach with Severin Lüthi.

2014: Birth of Twin Boys

In 2014, Roger Federer and his wife Mirka welcomed a second set of twins, this time fraternal twin boys, expanding their family.

2014: Partnership with Sunrise

In 2014, Roger Federer joined forces with Sunrise, Switzerland's largest telecommunications company, collaborating on campaigns that highlight Swiss values of excellence and precision.

2014: Match for Africa 2

In 2014, the "Match for Africa 2" between Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka in Zürich raised £850,000 for education projects in Southern Africa.

2015: Coaching change announcement

In December 2015, Federer announced that Ivan Ljubičić would replace Stefan Edberg as coach, with Severin Lüthi remaining head coach. Edberg had originally signed on for one season in 2014 but agreed to stay on in 2015.

2016: Hiatus for Knee Surgery in 2016

In 2016, Roger Federer took a half-year hiatus to recover from knee surgery.

2016: First Knee Surgery

In 2016, Roger Federer underwent the first of three knee procedures, this one on his left knee, to remove a key portion of tissue. Despite this, he returned to top-level play for years.

2018: Match for Africa in San Jose

In 2018, Roger Federer participated in the "Match for Africa" in San Jose, California, partnering with Bill Gates in a doubles match against Jack Sock and Savannah Guthrie. Federer and Gates won the match.

2020: Second Knee Surgery

In 2020, Roger Federer underwent a second procedure on his left knee, continuing to face challenges related to his knee health.

May 2022: Visit to Swiss National Team and Puma Jersey Unveiling

In May 2022, Roger Federer visited the Swiss national football team at Bad Ragaz before their UEFA Nations League campaign. He met the team and unveiled Puma’s new jersey ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.