Roger Federer and Mirka are now the proud parents of twin girls, Charlene Riva and Myla Rose. As Roger Federer posted on his Facebook page, “they are both healthy and along with their mother, they are doing great. This is the best day of our lives!” According to Tennis.com (via Associated Press), Roger Federer is currently on leave from the ATP tour until August 10 in Montreal, though it’s possible he may extend his leave beyond the Montreal Masters.
Roger Federer and Mirka Welcome Twins: Life and Career
Roger Federer, 27, is the son of a Swiss father and a South African mother. He grew up in Munchenstein, Basel, Switzerland and speaks Swiss German, French, English, and German. He began playing tennis at age six. Roger Federer is Catholic and met Pope Benedict XVI at a tournament in Rome.
Roger Federer is arguably the most accomplished tennis player in history having won 15 Grand Slam singles titles. Currently ranked No. 1 in the world, Roger Federer previously held that ranking for 237 consecutive weeks before losing and regaining the title from Rafael Nadal.
Mirka Vavrinec, 31, is a retired WTA tennis player. Born in Slovakia, her family emigrated to Switzerland when she was two. After a foot injury ruined her own career, Mirka devoted her time to managing Roger’s career, showing that behind a good man is a good woman. Mirka Vavrinec and Roger Federer met at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. They were married on April 11, 2009.
Roger Federer and Mirka Welcome Twins: Fathers Who Play Tennis
If Roger Federer can continue his winning-streak during fatherhood, he will join an exclusive club of fathers who have won major titles. As a father, Jimmy Connors won Wimbledon in 1982. He also won the US Open in 1982 and 1983. Other champion fathers include Pat Cash, Andres Gomez, Boris Becker, Petr Korda, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Albert Costa, and Andre Agassi.
In 1985, Boris Becker at age 17 became the first unseeded player to win Wimbledon. In 1995, he reached the finals, hoping to become the first father since Pat Cash to win Wimbledon. Although Becker lost to Pete Sampras that year, he went on to win the Australian Open in 1996.
On October 26, 2001, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf welcomed their first child. Nearly two years later, Andre Agassi would go on to win the Australian Open in 2003.
Mothers have had an even more difficult time winning major tennis titles. Notable exceptions include Wimbledon champions RL Chambers in 1914 and Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980. Retired WTA player Kim Clijsters and basketball player husband Brian Lynch welcomed a daughter in 2008. Kim Clijsters is contemplating a career comeback and will compete at this year’s US Open. If she and Roger Federer win at the US Open, they would certainly be an inspiration to parents who play tennis.
Sources:
Federer becomes father of twin girls Myla, Charlene, Tennis.com via Associated Press
Roger Federer on Facebook
