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, a Swiss former professional tennis player, achieved remarkable success in his career. He held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 310 weeks, including 237 consecutive weeks, and finished as the year-end No. 1 five times. Federer secured 103 singles titles on the ATP Tour, the second-most in the Open Era, and won 20 major men's singles titles along with six year-end championships, solidifying his legacy 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, of Swiss origin, and Lynette Federer (née Durand), who is South African.

1992: Ball Boy at Swiss Indoors

In 1992, Roger Federer served as a ball boy at his hometown Basel event, the Swiss Indoors, gaining early exposure to professional tennis.

1995: Training at Swiss National Tennis Center

Between 1995 and 1997, Roger Federer trained at the Swiss National Tennis Center in Ecublens, marking a significant step in his tennis development.

1997: Completion of Compulsory Education

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

1999: Drafted into the Swiss Armed Forces

In 1999, Roger Federer was drafted into the Swiss Armed Forces when he turned 18, as compulsory military service was mandatory for all able-bodied male Swiss citizens. However, he was soon discharged due to a chronic back problem.

1999: Discharge from military service

In 1999, at the age of 18, Roger Federer was discharged from compulsory military service due to a chronic back problem.

2000: Meeting Miroslava Vavrinec

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

2002: Retirement of Mirka Federer

In 2002, Miroslava Federer (Mirka), Roger Federer's future wife, retired from professional tennis due to a foot injury.

2002: First Masters Title and Loss of Peter Carter

In 2002, Roger Federer won his first Masters title in Hamburg and then suffered the loss of his coach Peter Carter, marking a year of both triumph and tragedy.

2003: Exemption from Military Service

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

2004: Rally for Relief exhibition

In 2004, Roger Federer arranged an exhibition called Rally for Relief, whose proceeds went to the victims of the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.

2005: Charity work

In 2005, Roger Federer arranged an exhibition with several top players from the ATP and WTA tour called Rally for Relief, whose proceeds went to the victims of the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Also in 2005, he auctioned his racquet from his US Open championship to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina.

April 2006: Appointment as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

In April 2006, Roger Federer was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador by UNICEF. He subsequently appeared in UNICEF public service announcements to raise public awareness of AIDS.

December 2006: Visit to Tamil Nadu

In December 2006, Roger Federer visited Tamil Nadu, one of the areas in India that was greatly affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, to provide support and raise awareness.

2006: Meeting Pope Benedict XVI

In 2006, Roger Federer, raised as a Roman Catholic, met Pope Benedict XVI while playing the Italian Open tournament in Rome, describing it as "the perfect day".

December 2007: Possible onset of mononucleosis

In December 2007, Roger Federer may have started suffering from mononucleosis, though he was only diagnosed in March 2008.

March 2008: Mononucleosis Diagnosis

In March 2008, Roger Federer revealed that he had recently been diagnosed with mononucleosis, and that he may have suffered from it as early as December 2007.

April 2009: Marriage to Mirka Vavrinec

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

2010: 'Hit for Haiti' charity event

In 2010, Roger Federer organized 'Hit for Haiti' during the 2010 Australian Open and participated in a charity exhibition during the 2010 Indian Wells Masters, raising $1 million for Haiti earthquake victims.

2010: "Match for Africa"

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

January 2011: Rally for Relief participation

In January 2011, Roger Federer participated in Rally for Relief, an exhibition aimed at raising money for the victims of the Queensland floods.

2014: Birth of twin boys

In 2014, Roger Federer and his wife Mirka welcomed another pair of twins, fraternal twin boys, into their family.

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.

2016: Hiatus for Knee Surgery Recovery

In 2016, Roger Federer took a half-year hiatus to recover from knee surgery, a period of challenge and recovery in his career.

2016: First Knee Surgery

In 2016, Roger Federer underwent the first of three knee procedures, this one on his left knee. A key portion of tissue was removed during surgery.

2018: "Match for Africa" in San Jose

In 2018, during the "Match for Africa" in San Jose, California, Roger Federer partnered with Bill Gates in a doubles match against Jack Sock and Savannah Guthrie, securing a win.

2020: Second Knee Surgery

In 2020, Roger Federer underwent a second knee procedure on his left knee.

May 2022: Visit to Swiss national team and Puma jersey unveiling

In May 2022, Roger Federer visited the Swiss national team, who were preparing for their UEFA Nations League campaign against the Czech Republic, and he unveiled Puma’s new jersey for the team ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.