Roger Federer at 45: Inside the champion's life beyond tennis

A look back at his extraordinary career, his family life, his greatest achievements, the projects shaping this new chapter, and the enduring friendship he shares with Rafael Nadal.

Roger Federer Turns 45: The Legacy of the Champion Who Conquered the Court and Found His Greatest Victory Beyond It

AUGUST 8, 2026 4:35 PM EDTAUG 8, 2026, 4:35 PM EDT

Roger Federer turns 45 this Saturday, August 8, firmly established as one of the most beloved and respected figures in sports history. Four years after retiring, the Swiss icon remains a global role model, a leading ambassador for tennis, and a symbol of grace both on and off the court. These days, his life revolves around tribute events, occasional exhibition matches, personal ventures, appearances at the sport's biggest tournaments, and, above all, his family, the foundation of everything he achieved throughout his career.

Roger Federer celebrates his 45th birthday as one of the most accomplished and admired players in tennis history.

Federer retired with a résumé that remains one of the most remarkable in tennis history. He captured 20 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record eight Wimbledon championships, six Australian Opens, five U.S. Opens, and one French Open. Between 2001 and 2019, he won 103 career titles, second only to Jimmy Connors, and spent 310 weeks as the world's No. 1, including a record streak of 237 consecutive weeks.

Federer won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record eight Wimbledon championships.

But his influence extends well beyond the numbers. Federer transformed the game's style and elegance, helped elevate tennis into a truly global sport, and forged one of the greatest rivalries in sports history with Rafael Nadal.

The Swiss icon spent 310 weeks as the world's No. 1 and helped redefine excellence in men's tennis.

Retirement: A Historic Farewell Alongside Nadal

Federer announced his retirement at the 2022 Laver Cup in London, capping his career with a farewell that captivated fans around the world. His final match, played alongside Rafael Nadal, produced one of the defining images of modern sports. The two rivals sat side by side, holding hands and wiping away tears as they acknowledged the end of an extraordinary era.

Federer's emotional farewell alongside Rafael Nadal at the 2022 Laver Cup marked the end of an unforgettable era.

Since then, Federer has remained a familiar presence at tennis' biggest events. He has attended Wimbledon every year, returned to Roland Garros for Nadal's 2025 tribute ceremony, and taken part in official events at the Australian Open.

Even in retirement, Federer remains a familiar presence at the sport's biggest tournaments and special events.

What He's Doing Today: Exhibitions, Tributes, and New Ventures

Although retired from competition, Federer remains deeply connected to tennis. In December 2026, he'll pick up a racket once again for One Last Backhand, Stan Wawrinka's farewell exhibition in Geneva. He'll share the court with Andy Murray and Gaël Monfils at the charity event, which will raise funds for the Roger Federer Foundation and Leman Hope.

Federer continues to support tennis through exhibition matches, philanthropy, and his work with the Roger Federer Foundation.

Later this month, Federer will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He'll also take part in an exhibition in Newport before receiving one of the sport's highest honors.

Roger Federer attended Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, joining fellow sports stars and celebrities for one of the biggest events on the American sports calendar.

Federer is also set to return to the 2026 U.S. Open, where he'll participate in an exhibition match as part of the tournament's special programming. The Swiss legend will step back onto Arthur Ashe Stadium alongside Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe for a celebration of some of tennis's greatest champions. The event is scheduled for late August or early September, during the traditional dates of New York's Grand Slam.

Family: The Center of His World

Family is now at the heart of Federer's life, and his wife, Mirka Vavrinec, has long been one of the driving forces behind his success. Federer acknowledged as much in an interview with El País.

Roger Federer and his wife, Mirka Vavrinec, have built a family life that has remained central throughout his career.

"We met at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, before I'd won a single title, so she's been with me almost every step of the way." He added that she "helped me through the difficult moments and played a huge role in keeping me motivated."

Mirka Federer played a pivotal role in Roger Federer's career, offering unwavering support on and off the court.

The couple married in Basel on April 11, 2009, and have four children: twin daughters Myla and Charlene, born on July 23, 2009, and twin sons Leo and Lenny, born on May 6, 2014.

Federer's four children have often accompanied him on tour and continue to share in his love of the game.

Throughout his career, Federer rarely traveled alone. His family accompanied him to tournaments around the world. Today, Myla and Charlene are teenagers who recently went viral during the 2026 Australian Open after being spotted courtside with Lleyton Hewitt's son.

Roger Federer says raising his four children has become his greatest priority since retiring from professional tennis.

The girls enjoy tennis as a hobby and were recently seen training at Rafael Nadal's academy in Mallorca under their parents' watchful eyes. Eleven-year-old Leo appears to have inherited more of his father's feel for the game and could one day follow in his footsteps. Lenny, meanwhile, has gravitated toward more artistic pursuits, including drawing and reading. "The most important thing for us is that they grow up to be good people." Federer recently told the French newspaper Le Figaro.

Nadal and Federer: A Friendship That Endures

The bond between Federer and Nadal remains one of tennis' greatest stories. Built on mutual respect and one of the fiercest rivalries in sports, their friendship has endured long after their competitive careers intersected.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal turned one of sports' greatest rivalries into one of its most enduring friendships.

Their most memorable showdown came in the 2008 Wimbledon final, widely regarded as the greatest tennis match ever played. Nadal captured his first Wimbledon title after a marathon lasting 4 hours and 48 minutes, in a match that forever reshaped their rivalry.

Federer and Nadal defined a generation of men's tennis with a rivalry built on excellence and mutual respect.

Away from the court, their friendship has proved just as lasting. Federer joined Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in honoring Nadal on Court Philippe-Chatrier on June 3, 2025. He also wrote Nadal a heartfelt letter after the Spaniard announced his retirement from professional tennis in 2024. "I'll always be there to support you," Federer wrote.

From fierce competitors to close friends, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal remain two of tennis' most iconic figures.

Today, the two champions continue to appear together at events and collaborate on projects connected to the sport.

At 45, Federer is enjoying a chapter defined by worldwide admiration. His presence at the sport's biggest tournaments, his work as a global ambassador, his philanthropic efforts, and his devotion to his family keep him at the center of the tennis world. His legacy continues to grow with every tribute and every public appearance. Federer may no longer compete, but for millions of fans, he remains one of the greatest players the game has ever known.

At 45, Roger Federer remains a global ambassador for tennis, admired as much for his character as for his achievements on the court.