Federer Family Are Happy In Dubai Home

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 28th February 2014

Federer Family Are Happy In Dubai Home

epa04102781 Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts during his match against Lukas Rosol of the Czech Republic during their quarter final match for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis ATP Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 27 February 2014. EPA/ALI HAIDER |

Roger Federer spends almost as much time living with his family in the plush apartment he owns as Dubai’s exclusive marina as he does in his native Switzerland. He has owned the high-rise residence since before the recession and admits his four year-old twin daughters, Charlene and Myla, and pregnant wife, Mirka revel with life in the desert sunshine.

By virtue of his residence in the United Arab Emirate, Federer is almost a fixture at the Dubai Duty Free Championships, winning the title a record five time (2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2012) and has established a great following amongst the paying customers that flock to the ATP World Tour 500 series event.

“It’s encouragement for me,” admitted the 32 year-old Swiss who long ago established a warm and convivial relationship with the Dubai Tournament Director Salah Tahlak and the event’s father figure Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free. “I really do feel I have great crowd support here and they really get excited.

“This week I have got a standing ovation at the end of the matches and I really do appreciate that to see sort of sell-out crowds even in the first couple of or first few days of the tournament. It’s amazing.”

Federer has seen the event grow since he first played as a 20 year-old back in 2002 and he has been gratified to see capacity audiences for all his matches. “I remember how it used to be 12 years ago here,” he said. “It wasn’t always crowded. So it’s nice seeing this game, the tournament grow and fans here in Dubai coming to the stadium and having a great time.

“So that’s what it’s about for them anyway, and for us, as well. If we can win, it’s nicer, but I do appreciate all the support I get here.”

Having spent the best part of two months training in Dubai during the off-season, Federer started the year reasonably strongly by reaching last month’s Australian Open semi-finals and later today he encounters defending champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

“It’s a matter of staying healthy, getting to semis and finals consistently and giving myself opportunities,” he said. “I feel in as good a shape as I’ve been in a year, at least. I feel my best tennis is around the corner.

“I’ve said that quite a few times, but I feel this time it’s really the case. I wake up with zero pain and I’m excited playing tournaments. What was most encouraging was my off-season. That was key: for me to know my body was able to handle that stress level, and for that reason, I’m confident for the year ahead.”

Topics: 10sballs, Atp World Tour, Australian Open, Dubai, Mirka Federer, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis