It’s not unusual for two people in the sports industry to get together – Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, Simone Biles and Stacey Ervin, and of course, tennis’ own Roger and Mirka Federer.
WATCH: Mirka Federer congratulates Roger Federer
She was one of the first people Roger Federer thanked when he announced he was retiring from professional tennis on September 15, 2022, releasing an emotional statement on Twitter.
“I would like to especially thank my amazing wife Mirka, who has lived through every minute with me. She has warmed me up before finals, watched countless matches, even while over eight months pregnant, and has endured my goofy side on the road with my team for over 20 years,” he said.
Federer also honoured their children together, adding: “I also want to thank my four wonderful children for supporting me, always eager to explore new places, and creating wonderful memories along the way. Seeing my family cheering me on from the stands is a feeling I will cherish forever.”
Keep reading to learn more about Mirka’s tennis career and her relationship and kids with her famous husband.
RELATED: WATCH: The heartwarming moment Roger Federer embraces his wife after the Australian Open Final
Who is Mirka Federer?
Miroslava “Mirka” Vavrinec is a former pro tennis player from Switzerland. She began playing tennis when Czech player-turned-coach Martina Navratilova spotted her in the audience at a tournament and gifted her very first racquet.
At her peak, she reached a career-high ranking of #76 in the world. Her best major tournament (Grand Slam) performance was at the 2001 US Open, where she reached the third round. She also played with future husband, sports celebrity, and current world #3 Roger Federer in a doubles match in 2002.
Unfortunately, Vavrinec was forced to retire from professional tennis due to a foot injury in 2002. However, she’s still very much involved in the pro sports community, except now as Roger Federer’s public relations manager and wife.
How did Mirka and Roger meet?
Mirka and Roger Federer met when they both represented Switzerland at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. The pair was slightly mismatched – Roger had just turned 18 and Mirka was four years his senior – but they clicked anyway. At the end of the two-week trip, both had developed feelings for each other – resulting in a kiss that would change both of their lives forever.
Have Federer and his wife played tennis together?
Although the tennis couple managed to keep their relationship under wraps for two years, their cover was blown in 2002 when they teamed up for a doubles match at the Hopman Cup. Their chemistry was so apparent on the court and during the post-match interview – there was even a little bit of flirting involved.
When did Roger Federer and his wife get married?
Roger and Mirka tied the knot more than a decade ago in a private ceremony on April 11, 2009 at the Wenkenhof Villa in Riehen. Their nuptials came just a few weeks after announcing Mirka’s first pregnancy.
Do they have kids?
Mirka and Roger did not waste time starting a family. Just a few months after getting hitched, the couple welcomed their first kids: twins Myla Rose Federer and Charlene Riva Federer, now age 10. In 2014, their number of children grew to four with the addition of another set of twins, Lenny Federer and Leo Federer.
Today, the happy family can usually be seen supporting Federer from his personal box at tournaments. The kids are homeschooled so that they can follow their father on tour and he thanked them for their support when he retired.
Fast facts about Mirka Federer
Mirka started playing tennis almost by accident
Mirka’s tennis career started because she was in the right place at the right time. When she was nine years old, she watched a tennis tournament in Germany with her dad. There, she met the legendary Martina Navratilova, who thought she had an athletic build and could be good at tennis. It was Navratilova who bought Mirka’s first tennis racquet and organised her first lesson.
She helps Roger Federer with his career
Although she no longer plays herself due to her foot injury, Mirka is very involved in Roger Federer’s athletic career. As his public relations manager, she makes his travel arrangements and handles his media obligations. Federer has said that dating a fellow tennis player made him both a better person and a better athlete since Mirka knows what it takes for him to succeed – and we’re sure she understood when he decided to step back.
When he retired, he also thanked her for her involvement saying: “[She] has lived through every minute with me. She has warmed me up before finals, watched countless matches, even while over eight months pregnant, and has endured my goofy side on the road with my team for over 20 years.”
Roger Federer gushes about her all the time
Here are just some of the kind things Federer has told the press about his wife:
- “She’s been a rock in my corner.”
- “She found a great place in my life first as a girlfriend and now as a wife, incredibly supportive. I could have never asked for a better girlfriend and wife, she has been the best throughout all these years and it has been wonderful.”
- “I’d rather sleep with kids screaming than away from my wife.”
Mirka goes to all of Roger’s matches
Fans always praised Mirka for getting out and supporting her husband at almost every game in his long career. She usually had their children in tow – if they meet the tournament’s minimum age requirement.
Behind every man is a powerful woman
Mirka Federer might not play tennis anymore, but she’s still in the game as one of Federer’s managers. Roger Federer is a great athlete, but it’s through Mirka’s unwavering love and support that he is the player he is today.
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