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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.
Mirka & Roger Federer
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 just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary this year. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony on April 11, 2009 at the Wenkenhof Villa in Riehen – a few weeks after announcing Mirka’s first pregnancy.
Do They Have Kids Together?
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 be seen supporting Federer from his personal box at tournaments. The kids are homeschooled so that they can follow their father on tour.
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.
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...And She Brings The Kids
You’ll most likely see Mirka supporting her husband at every game. She usually has their children in tow – if they meet the tournament’s minimum age requirement.
Behind Every Powerful 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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