Revered by rivals, adored by fans, the charismatic Swiss is fast rivalling Muhammad Ali as a sporting idol
When
Tennis fans voted
Roger Federer their favourite player for the 17th year in a row it might have stretched credulity beyond Planet Tennis but it surprised nobody within touching distance of his hem. There have been dogs in country and western songs not as faithful as Federer’s disciples. He makes Alan Partridge jealous.
Federer’s house is so full of trophies, his wife, Mirka, and their four kids have to live in the car … No, that’s not true. But he is a walking magnet for accolades. It sometimes feels as if people want to give him an award just to be close to him. Certainly one hears the bubbling‑under orgasms at press conferences: “Roger, where would you put that amazing shot in your all-time great shots?” he was asked in Melbourne a few years ago. “Top 100,” he replied too quickly, before blushing.