Do Roger Federer’s kids play tennis? All you need to know about the Swiss’ role in his twin daughters and sons’ tennis journey

Roger Federer and his wife Mirka are widely known as one of the power couples of tennis. They met at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and while the latter retired from professional tennis soon after, she continued to be associated with tennis as the manager of her then-boyfriend. The couple tied the knot in 2009 and soon after had their first set of twins, Myla Rose and Charlene, followed by boys Leo and Lenny in 2014.

Having been one of the most successful tennis players of all time, it’s natural for tennis fans to assume that Federer’s kids might follow in their father’s footsteps and pursue tennis. The Swiss is often asked about the same and while talking about his children’s affinity for the sport and the couple’s efforts to help them along, he said:

“We make them play… because I don’t want my kids to be the only kids in my circle not to play. And obviously, I live in a tennis circle, and otherwise, they’re the only kids not playing because all the other kids play tennis and this is their passion.”

He added, “So that’s why I say to the girls, who were not super in love with it in the beginning, like, “Guys, I mean you have to play a little bit.” So they all four play now,” (via GQ).

Roger Federer’s tennis life with his kids post-retirement

In an interview with GQ Germany last year, Roger Federer talked about continuing to spend a significant amount of time on the tennis court even after retirement because of his kids’ involvement with the game. He also mentioned that he wishes to support his kids’ tennis endeavors as a mentor, rather than as a coach. He said (via GQ):

“Because my children also play tennis, I am still on the court a lot and of course I want to support them. Not as a coach at all, but more as a dad who can give them very good tips.”

Federer also shared his concerns about the rigorous tennis regimen that his kids follow because of the increasingly competitive environment of professional tennis.

“I think everything has moved forward. I’m seeing this with my children right now. My nine-year-old sons are now scheduled to play tennis four times a week. I think that’s too much. When is there still time for the other things?”

While talking about the challenges of the sport, Federer said a combination of a strong team and determination helps in shaping a strong career. With regards to preparing his children for the future, he said that he tries to practice caution while acquainting them with what is to come.

“You always intervene earlier in order to ideally prepare the characters for what is to come. That can be positive and negative, but I’m more cautious.”

Federer on mentoring his kids

Talking about seeing his kids play on the court and how he would like to be in those situations, Federer said he wants his role to be like a general manager, though sometimes he finds himself donning a different hat when it comes to on-court conversations with his children. He said (via GQ):

“I’ve tried to be more the GM than the coach, and I’ve told them I’m not the coach. And if I can be of help, great. And if you don’t want me out there, that’s okay too.”

He added, “But sometimes I can’t control myself. I come in and go like, ‘Let me just quickly teach a little fundamental thing’.”

The 20-time Grand Slam champion is also able to spend a lot more time with his family post-retirement and in addition to mentoring his children, he is also able to devote more time to other activities with them. Talking about the same he said (via The Mirror):

“I get to wake up when the kids do and help get them ready. Then [after school] I get to connect with the kids again over their sports and homework.

He added, “It’s a very vital time for me to be around them, to help them and guide them and obviously let them fly on their own as well. They have their friends and need their playdates. We’re making sure their social aspect is a given.”

Nevertheless, despite maintaining a healthy family life and helping his kids with their academics and extracurriculars, Federer continues to be seen at various important tennis events along with his children, who surely have fond memories of their father’s time on tour.