Roger Federer, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, is known for his remarkable achievements on the court. However, behind the tennis legend lies a devoted father of four, who, like many parents, faces his own set of challenges when it comes to raising children. In a candid interview, Federer opened up for the first time about the struggles he encountered while balancing his demanding career and his responsibilities as a father. As a father of two sets of twins, Federer spoke with honesty about the challenges he experienced while also nurturing a close and meaningful relationship with his children.

Federer’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary, with 20 Grand Slam titles and numerous records under his belt. Yet, behind the fame and success, Federer has always placed great emphasis on his role as a father. In 2009, Federer and his wife, Mirka, welcomed their first set of twins, Myla and Charlene, followed by their second set of twins, Leo and Lenny, in 2014.

As Federer revealed in the interview, the early years of parenting presented him with significant challenges. Traveling around the world for tournaments while also trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for his children was not an easy task. “The hardest part was always being away,” Federer said. “I love tennis, but my family is everything to me. Every time I left home, I felt a deep sense of guilt.”

While Federer is celebrated for his composure on the court, he admitted that off the court, he has experienced moments of doubt and emotional difficulty. Like many parents, Federer struggled with the sacrifices required to balance his career and family. He confessed that missing his children’s milestones due to tennis commitments was one of the hardest parts of being a professional athlete. “I missed some birthdays, some of their first steps, and these were moments I could never get back,” Federer revealed.

In addition to the emotional toll, Federer spoke about the logistical difficulties of traveling with his family, particularly with two sets of twins. “There were days when it was absolute chaos,” he admitted with a smile. “The kids had different needs, and trying to keep them entertained while I was preparing for a match was tough.” Despite the challenges, Federer and his wife Mirka worked as a team, ensuring that their children felt supported and loved, no matter where they were.

Federer’s relationship with his children goes beyond that of a traditional father figure. He described himself as both a father and a friend to his children, and emphasized the importance of building a close, trusting relationship with them. “I want my kids to feel comfortable talking to me about anything,” he said. “I’m not just their dad who sets the rules, but I want to be someone they can confide in.”

He went on to explain that, growing up, he had a very supportive relationship with his own parents, and this influenced how he approaches fatherhood today. “My parents were always there for me, and I want to be the same for my kids. But at the same time, I want them to have fun, to enjoy their childhood without feeling too much pressure.”

Despite being a global icon, Federer has always made sure to keep his family life as grounded as possible. He said that he and Mirka make a conscious effort to provide their children with a “normal” upbringing, ensuring that they are not overwhelmed by their father’s fame. “At the end of the day, I’m just their dad. I’m the one who helps with their homework, who reads them bedtime stories. I want them to know me as a father first, and a tennis player second.”

Beyond simply being a loving father, Federer also sees himself as a mentor to his children, teaching them the values of hard work, humility, and resilience. As someone who has faced numerous setbacks and comebacks throughout his tennis career, Federer wants to instill the same determination in his children.

“I’ve always told them that it’s okay to fail,” Federer shared. “Life is full of ups and downs, and the important thing is to keep going, to never give up. Whether it’s tennis, school, or anything else, I want them to understand that success doesn’t come easy, and it’s the effort that matters the most.”

Humility is another key lesson Federer aims to teach his children. Despite his many accomplishments, Federer remains grounded, and he wants his children to value kindness and respect above all else. “No matter how successful you become, it’s important to stay humble,” he said. “I always tell my kids that it’s not about winning, but how you treat others along the way.”

In the interview, Federer also touched on the importance of vulnerability, both as a father and as a man. He admitted that there were times when he felt overwhelmed by the pressure of balancing his career with fatherhood, and he wasn’t afraid to show his emotions in front of his children. “I’ve cried in front of my kids, and that’s okay,” Federer said. “I want them to know that it’s okay to feel sad, to feel frustrated. We don’t always have to be strong.”

Federer believes that showing vulnerability has helped strengthen his relationship with his children, as they see him not just as a strong athlete, but as a real person with emotions. “I think it’s important for them to see that their dad isn’t perfect. I make mistakes, and I learn from them, just like they do.”

As Federer navigates the next chapter of his life post-retirement, he remains dedicated to his role as a father. Though his days of dominating the tennis world are behind him, Federer finds fulfillment in being present for his children and guiding them through life’s challenges. “Fatherhood is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” Federer said. “It’s not always easy, but it’s worth every single moment.”

For Federer, being a father is more than just a title—it’s a lifelong commitment to being there for his children, supporting them, and teaching them the values that have shaped his own life. Through the highs and the lows, Federer continues to embrace the joys and challenges of fatherhood with the same grace and perseverance that made him a champion on the court.