The former world’s No. 1 tennis player is using his resources for a great cause. Read to find out how Roger Federer is cementing a strong legacy on and off the court.
Roger Federer is Proving Why He’s the Greatest Tennis has to Offer
Roger Federer hasn’t taken the court for a professional match since losing to Hubert Hukacz in the quarter final at Wimbledon last summer. After that Federer received a blow to his career on the court as he underwent knee surgery in mid-August.
Federer had to withdraw from the US Open and stated that he would be out for an extended period of time, but that he hopes to return to the court in 2022. Federer has yet to play on a tour this year, but that hasn’t stopped him from making positive headlines off the court.
Federer’s Philanthropy
The Roger Federer Foundation announced early on Friday that it will be donating $500K to help support the continued schooling of Ukrainian children in the wake of their country being invaded by Russia. Federer personally announced this donation and its purpose via Twitter, stating, “Through Roger Federer Foundation we will be supporting War Child Holland with a donation of $500,000 to establish access to continued schooling for Ukrainian children.”
With Federer still unable to take the court in a professional setting, the fact that he’s using his platform to support such an important cause is telling of the kind of person he is. We’ve seen the pure dominance from Federer for nearly two decades on the court but it certainly doesn’t hurt his legacy to see him supporting the children of Ukraine right now.
This is far from the first time that the Roger Federer Foundation has made a noteworthy donation. His foundation was established in 2003 with the specific purpose of improving the lives of underprivileged children worldwide through access to a regular education and all that comes with it.
He has made huge strides to support children in South Africa and their access to physical and mental health support. Federer has made several visits to the country to meet the children whom he has given his support to.
After Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans area, Federer auctioned his racquet and used the proceeds to support those affected by the disaster. He’s also raised millions of funds through charity games and other means to support victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, 2010 Haiti earthquake and 2010 Queensland floods.
For Roger Federer, the philanthropic work he does off the court is just as important as the incredible personal achievements he’s reached on the court; and they’re often intertwined.
The All-Around Greatest
Those who know the big names in professional tennis in the 21st century undoubtedly know Roger Federer. He’s won at least one victory at every Grand Slam singles event and since 2003, has won at the Australian Open, US Open and Wimbledon an astounding 19 times.
He has the 2nd most career titles in the Open Era with 103 and an overall career record of 1251-275. On top of that he’s the 2nd all-time highest earner with over $130 million in winnings.
It’s rare to see an athlete succeed in every facet of their life as much as Federer has. When he isn’t winning titles, he’s using his status as one of the greatest of all-time to make significant positive change in the world.
Federer is 40 years old and will turn 41 in August but don’t be surprised when he returns to the court this year and gets back to the winning form tennis fans are used to from him. Whatever his future holds, Federer has cemented himself as the greatest overall sportsman the game of tennis has ever seen both on and off the court.
