Feb 29, 2004 from AFP:
DUBAI - If Roger Federer survives the first-round match against Marat Safin, he has a possible quarterfinal with Tim Henman, who beat him in Rotterdam, and whom he has beaten only once in seven attempts — and that was when Henman injured his neck in Miami and had to retire. "There are just some opponents who are difficult," said Federer. "But several of those losses (to Henman) took place when he was better ranked than me, so it is misleading."

"I think he has played really well against me recently, but I don't think I have been at my best when I played him, and I am not worried." If Federer does win the title again, it will be another success at a venue where he had been both a villain and a hero. Two years ago he had his appearance money withheld for allegedly not making enough effort during an unexpected early defeat, but was able to claim double funds last year when he played superbly.

Feb 26, 2004 from Telegraph:
The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) were posting on their website the names of all those players who had been tested for drugs in 2003. This covers hundreds of professionals and reveals that Wimbledon men's winner Roger Federer was the most tested, providing a urine sample 21 times, 20 in competitions and once out of competition. On two occasions, including at last year's Wimbledon, he had his blood tested for erythropoieten (EPO).

Feb 21, 2004 from Reuters:
MARSEILLE, France - World number one Roger Federer has pulled out of the Marseille Open next week because of a series of injuries. Federer, the Australian Open champion, was the top seed in the tournament which also features Russian Marat Safin and Spaniard Juan-Carlos Ferrero.

"I have several injuries. I have pain in my right foot, another in my shoulder since the Australian Open and also a general weariness," said Federer. "Had it been a decisive game in the Davis Cup I would have played. But I'm not in shape to defend my title here and am not interested in losing in the first or second round. I'd rather come back in my best shape next year."

Feb 20, 2004 from Reuters:
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands - World number one Roger Federer refused to get too dejected after Tim Henman ending his 16-match winning streak at the World Indoor Tournament on Friday. "I will think back a little bit about this match but I wouldn't dramatise it," Federer said after his 6-3 7-6 quarter-final defeat by the Briton, who has now beaten the Swiss Wimbledon champion in six of their last seven matches.

"I have to change some small things in my game plan for future meetings because I know it must be possible to beat him," Federer said. "Tim really played well and I couldn't play the way I like to do but that has also something to do with his game."

During the second set Federer missed several chances to take the match into a decider, especially since he lead the tiebreak 5-1 and wasted five set points. "The missed chances in the tiebreak were not the most important ones," he said. "In the tiebreak anything can happen but leading (the set) 4-2 and 30-0 brought me close to winning the set, and missing that opportunity made me very unhappy."

Federer, playing his first ATP event as world number one, said the match did not heap added pressure on him even though he knew he had such a poor record against the fifth seed. "I only felt pressure every time he approached the net," the 22-year-old joked.

"I knew it would be a tough match. The fact that Henman has beaten me several times really isn’t the end of the world, no matter what people may say. If I’d failed to create opportunities to take the match, it might have been a different story. But I came close, and will try to do better next time."

Feb 19, 2004 from Reuters:
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands - Roger Federer struggled with stubborn opposition before advancing to the quarter-finals at the World Indoor Tournament on Thursday. Federer let a commanding first-set lead slip against Romania's Andrei Pavel before he edged through 7-6, 7-5 in 1hr 36mins. His victory set up a showdown with Britain's Tim Henman.

Federer started brilliantly against Pavel in a quest to extend his unbeaten run to a career-best 16 matches in ATP sanctioned events. He frustrated Pavel with his array of penetrating and angled winners to race into a 5-2 lead in the opening set. However, he suddenly seemed to lose interest and allowed Pavel to stage a fightback before regaining his focus to secure the tiebreak 7-2. "I made life tough for myself. I gave him a chance and he took it. He got the rhythm and started to serve better; that made the match much longer than it should have been. Andrej was a tough opponent, and he gave absolutely nothing away," said Federer. Pavel continued to trouble Federer in the second. The top seed eventually broke the deadlock in the 11th game before sealing victory in the next game with a volley.

“I had chances to win easier today but in the end all that counts for me is the win. I was not as happy with my game like yesterday or other days but the most important is that I win those matches too. The thing I did well today I thought was when it got important I could raise my game and it’s got a lot to do with my confidence. To close it out with a good game was a nice finish,” said Federer.

Britain's Henman will be looking to extend his 5-1 head-to-head record against Federer on Friday. "I don't know why I've got such a bad record against Henman but I do," said Federer. "I really hope I can take my chances this time as I've lost some close matches against him. He's an uncomfortable player, he reads the game very well. Tim was the last player to beat me at Paris Bercy, so I’ll be looking to have my revenge. I was tired physically in that (quarter-final) match. I have a bad record in general against him, but I have the motivation to beat him, even if it will will be a difficult match for me. I hope he didn’t start the streak [winning streak of 16 matches] and is going to end it. We’ll see what happens but I’m looking forward to this match because it’s always interesting to play him."

Feb 18, 2004 from ABN AMRO Tennis Official Site:
Roger Federer gave Arnaud Clement very few opportunities during their first-round match. The Swiss comfortably beat his French opponent: 6-4, 6-3. In his own words, it took Federer a while to start firing on all cylinders: "I have been here four, five days, but training sessions are not quite the same as competitive matches." Federer managed to break Clement’s service in the tenth game, and went on to take the first set.

The second set was more straightforward. The world No 1 forced an early break and managed to take a 3-0 lead. He increasingly got into his rhythm, and Clement – like many players before him - was forced to yield to Federer’s supremacy. The Swiss was happy to be in the second round: "Ever since making my debut here in 1999, I’ve had a soft spot for this tournament. I like the court, and I like the crowd. I am seeded first, and I certainly didn’t come to Rotterdam to lose in the quarter-finals. I want to win the tournament.

"It was a little bit up and down, we were both looking for our rhythm. There weren't a lot of good rallies really; the points always finished with an error which was a pity. I served pretty well and today it was enough to win. I prefer to play better but I’m always happy to win my first round match. It's always very dangerous, very difficult, because you are not used to the conditions even though I’ve been here for four, five days preparing well. I have to play better in the next round. I have a tough match but hopefully I can win again. I always have fun here in Rotterdam because I always play good tennis."

Remarkably enough, Federer does not appear bothered about the absence of a coach. Having parted company with Peter Lundgren towards the end of last year, he has not yet found a replacement. Not that there is a shortage of applications: "I have never even heard of some of the people who offer their services."

Federer struck with immaculate precision during the match. Not having had any breakpoints for the majority of the first set, he only needed two to clinch it. He again broke his opponent’s service early in the second set, and went on to take the match. Asked what it feels like to be the world No 1, he jokingly replies: "It’s great. Everybody suddenly rates my good strokes as outstanding, and my poorer strokes as almost outstanding.

Roger Federer of Switzerland eyes the ball to hit a backhand to Arnaud Clement of France in the first round the World Indoor ATP tennis tournament in Rotterdam February 18, 2004. Number one seed Federer won in straight sets 6-4 6-3. (Photo by Michael Kooren/Reuters)

Feb 17, 2004 from Sports Illustrated:
Goran Ivanisevic had an interesting take on the emergence of Roger Federer. As he told Il Corriere della Sera, Italy's biggest selling newspaper: "Federer is a genius, he's got more talent than Sampras. I don't know if he'll win as much as Pete, but potentially he's stronger."

Feb 15, 2004 from ABN AMRO Tennis Official Site:

Four world class top tennis players, who will participate in the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament 2004, kicked off the prestigious tournament in Rotterdam this afternoon. Roger Federer played together with Rainer Schuettler against Dutch players Sjeng Schalken and Martin Verkerk on a floating tennis court on the river Maas. The court, complete with boarding and ball boys and girls, was installed on a pontoon pushed by a push-barge. The trip went over the river Maas between the city centres two most famous bridges “Erasmus Bridge” and “Willems Bridge”. (Photo by Henk Koster) Federer: “I played on the Piazza in Milan and some small courts at different places but I have never played on a moving tennis court before. It was quite an experience playing on a moving boat. I’ve played in some odd places in my life but I never experienced anything like this. It was kind of a strange with a moving tennis court but I enjoyed it very much. It’s definitely one of the best STARS activities I have ever done.” Schuettler: “I’ve played from one boat to another in Australia but this was the first time on a floating court. We had a lot of fun and did a lot of crazy things. I think all four of us really enjoyed it.” Schalken: “It’s the first time I play on a boat. When the boat turned my stomach was also turning… When the ABN AMRO tennis tournament is putting on something it’s great. You don’t see something like this anywhere else. I think we had fun.” Verkerk: “It was very nice. It was tough playing Federer and Schuettler, they make a pretty good team.”

Feb 9, 2004 from AP:
After Milan, Goran Ivanisevic plans to enter tournaments in Rotterdam and Marseille. "Today it's a different tennis, mostly based on power ... the player I like most is Roger Federer. He plays magic tennis and stands two steps in front of everybody," he said. Federer, the 2003 Wimbledon champion and winner of the Australian Open this year, captured his first ATP title at Milan Indoors in 2001, beating Ivanisevic in the quarterfinals.

Feb 8, 2004 from Davis Cup Official Site:
Roger Federer defeated Andrei Pavel 63 62 75 in the fourth singles match on Sunday to qualify Switzerland for the quarterfinals of the 2004 Davis Cup. The three set victory lasted just under two hours. The Swiss player was in total control throughout the match and impressed with his touch, subtlety, class and artistry that led to a standing ovation from the spectators.

Federer started the contest more convincingly and won his first three service games quickly, for the loss of only one point. Pavel fought for every point on his serve, especially in the sixth game when he had to save three break points, in a game that lasted 12 minutes. In the next game Pavel had his own break point, but Federer hit two aces in a row and won the game. The world No.1 won the next four games and it became increasingly apparent that Federer would win. He broke again at 4-2 and served out to win the set.

Pavel managed to break in the fourth game of the third set and led 4-1. At 4-2, Federer came up with brilliant answers to Pavel’s well-constructed pointstime after time. After that, a more composed Federer began to hit more and more passing-shots and winners and broke again at 5-all, and victory became a formality.

"Everything went well for me today, I was lucky I had won the first two sets before Pavel started to play better. Of course, the point got with the doubles was very important,” said Roger Federer, "It was not an easy match, it's my fault that sometimes it looks like that. It's about confidence and nothing else."

Andrei Pavel was very disappointed, "We are sad. We tried our best to win this tie. I've waited for some years to play the quarterfinals and we'll play again a play-off tie. I wasn't tired, but Roger proved too good for me today. " Then he added, "We have to be optimistic. We have a very young team, with Victor Hanescu, 23, and two players of 19, Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau, winners of Wimbledon juniors in singles and doubles."

Roger Federer proved to be the strong link in his team, winning all three matches he was involved in. Switzerland advance to the quarterfinals of the 2004 Davis Cup tie. Victor Hanescu beat Davis Cup debutant Stanislas Wawrinka 63 67(3) 63 in the final dead rubber. The final scoreline in Bucharest was 3-2 to Switzerland. Speaking about the tie in general, Romanian captain Florin Segarceanu added: "To be honest, I am a big fan of Federer, but I expected him to be a little bit tired after the Australian Open and to need more time to get fit on clay."

It didn't matter that Federer was playing on a red clay court in Bucharest only a week after winning the Australian Open on Rebound Ace. His majestic style, his calmness and confidence helped him and his team to succeed in Bucharest. He was simply too good even for the best Romanian player Andrei Pavel, who seemd too slow in comparison with the world No. 1.

At the start of the tie, there seemed to be less between the two nations. It was not the case in the end. Federer passed his confidence on to the whole team and everybody could see it during the doubles match on Saturday. The public came to support the Romanians and ended up applauding the best player in the world.

The Swiss team will play in the quarterfinals against France. The two nations played each other in the quarterfinals last year in France, where Federer and co. wrote a very nice story with their victory. "On paper, the French are the favourites," said Marc Rosset. "We are looking forward to this meeting, because we will play at home and there were some six or seven ties played outside. I think that many captains would like to have a player like Roger Federer in the team. Things seems to be easier and it'a a real pleasure to watch him."

Feb 7, 2004 from Davis Cup Official Site:
Roger Federer and Yves Allegro have taken Switzerland to a 2-1 lead over Romania after their doubles win over Andrei Pavel and Gabriel Trifu in their first round Davis Cup by BNP Paribas tie in Bucharest. In a five set match lasting 3 hours and 36 minutes Federer and Allegro overcome Pavel and Trifu 64 16 63 36 108. Federer will take on Pavel in the first of the reverse singles on Sunday with the chance of putting his country into the quarterfinals.

The doubles match on Saturday was so tight throughout that five sets always looked on the cards, so it was no surprise when the crowd in the Sala Polivalenta found itself enjoying the drama of a deciding set. It truly was a nailbiting contest, with the pairs exchanging the first four sets. The crowd became more and more involved in the spectacle, and created a great atmosphere, which was quite intense, typical of Davis Cup ties.

Andrei Pavel and Gabriel Trifu missed a golden opportunity in the 3rd set, when they had a break point for a 4-1 lead. Instead, Roger Federer served on the line and the Swiss team managed to come back to win the set. When the Swiss players had one match point at 8-7 in the 5th set, which Pavel saved for the Romanians with a timely ace, it seemed that maybe the Swiss’ chance had passed. However, the Romanians couldn't save the second match point, at 8-9, when Trifu was on serve, and Federer and Allegro were able to celebrate – along with their teammates – vicrtory in what may well turn out to be the decisive rubber in this tie.

“I think we were a little bit lucky," Federer said at the press conferenece. "The match was incredibly tight and the Romanians would have deserved to win it as well." Allegro, who was making his Davis Cup debut, was also understandably elated: "In the last set, at one point, I asked Marc Rosset where to serve, and he didn't answer. Then, I prayed to return well, because I’d been making some mistakes."

Andrei Pavel was of the opinion that the match came down to just one or two crucial points that made all the difference: "We were unlucky, but I want to forget about this match and to turn everything into a positive for Sunday’s match against Federer. He is as tired as I am, but I think I can win the contest." Trifu added: "Federer played on three quarters of the court. Everywhere where we tried to send the ball, it was him, even when we were looking for Allegro. Roger moves very well on the court."

World number one ranked tennis player Roger Federer talks Yves Allegro during their doubles tennis match against Andrei Pavel and Gabriel Trifu of Romania in the Davis Cup World Group first round tie in Bucharest February 7, 2004. (Photo by Bogdan Cristel/Reuters)

Feb 6, 2004 from Davis Cup Official Site:
Roger Federer continued his winning form with a 76(4) 63 61 win over Victor Hanescu to level Switzerland’s tie with Romania at 1-1 on the opening day. The Swiss maestro took just one hour and 47 minutes to sweep past the Romanian No. 2 to clinch his 22nd Davis Cup win. The new World No. 1 overcame Hanescu with an impressive mix of topspins and slices which kept the 5,000 strong crowd at the Polivalenta Sports Hall riveted throughout. Hanescu held his own in the first set, saving three breakpoints on his own serve, but Federer’s greater experience paid off in the tie-break when he edged ahead 7-4.

The first break of serve came at 3-3 in the second set, in Federer’s favour and from that point on he didn’t look back. The Swiss man claimed the set 63 and allowed the No. 72 ranked Romanian just one game in a one-sided third set. Federer is expected to partner Yves Allegro is Saturday’s doubles against Andrei Pavel and Gabriel Trifu in a match that could prove crucial to the outcome of the tie.

from Reuters:
ZURICH - Roger Federer has agreed to do his Swiss national service as a teacher, according to the Blick newspaper. Under a special programme devised with the government, the 22-year-old Australian Open and Wimbledon champion will train as a sports teacher, the tabloid reported on Friday. Swiss citizens have to undergo national service either with the country's militia army or in its civil defence forces.

Within the next three years, Federer will do a five-day basic training course and then a five-day course to become a teacher. After that, he will teach for five days a year. Those starting national service from this year will finish when they are 30. "In this way he combines civil defence and training," his mother Lynette Federer told Blick. "We have made it possible for him to decide when he wants to come," said Marcus Mueller, head of military and civilian service in Federer's home region of Basel. "We expect him to do his duty."

Feb 5, 2004 from Reuters:
World number one Roger Federer takes his magic touch to Romania in the first round of the Davis Cup this weekend. Crowned Australian Open champion on Sunday, Federer flew home to a welcoming chorus of cow bells at the airport on Tuesday and had time only for a dinner with his parents before jetting off to Bucharest 24 hours later.

In Bucharest, Federer will lead Switzerland's World Group Davis Cup challenge against Romania starting Friday, playing both singles and doubles. Swiss captain Marc Rosset said he needed the world number one to play both disciplines. "I've named Yves Allegro to join Federer (in the doubles) because he is, technically and tactically speaking, a remarkable player," Rosset said. Michel Kratochvil is Switzerland's second singles player for the first-round tie.

Feb 4, 2004

Roger Federer looks on during a press conference in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday Feb. 4, 2004. Switzerland will play Romania in a first round Davis Cup match starting next Friday. (Photo by AP/Vadim Ghirda)

from Reuters:
Roger Federer has shrugged off jet-lag and is relishing Switzerland's Davis Cup clash against Romania, the newly-crowned Australian Open champion said on Wednesday. "I did not recover completely after the Australian travel," Federer told reporters after arriving in Bucharest on Wednesday. "But I did a full training session this morning and feel good. I'm confident that we can eventually defeat Romania to book a place in the quarter-finals," he added.

The three-day tie will be played on an indoor clay court built especially for the occasion and captain Florin Segarceanu said it should give his team the advantage. Federer, however, made light of the surface. "The court is good, very good," Federer said after his first training. "Romania and Switzerland will play good tennis there."

from AFP:
Roger Federer has little time to savour his Australian Open title triumph this week as he heads the Swiss challenge against Romania in Bucharest in a World Group first round tie from Friday to Sunday. The world number one was welcomed home to his hometown of Basel with the ringing of alpine cow bells to mark his second Grand Slam title, but it will be alarm bells he will be facing in Bucharest against a tough Romania side headed by Andrei Pavel and Victor Hanescu. Federer would not be faulted if he found himself somewhat below par after his efforts in Melbourne and the problem for Switzerland is that they are very much a one-man team at the moment.

"The Davis Cup is a big motivation for me. It's one of my big goals to win it," said Federer, who led the Swiss to the semifinals last year before losing a tight tie 3-2 to eventual champions Australia in Melbourne. "I will rest briefly and then prepare so that I am fit," he added. "Two days practicing should be enough."

Feb 3, 2004 from The Age:
Roger Federer is an amiable bloke and was particularly so with his dealings with the media during his successful Australian Open campaign, but, not surprisingly, draws the line at how accessible he should be. Like when the phone rang in his Crown Towers suite at 6.20 yesterday morning. On the other end of the line was a Melbourne radio station asking if he would do an interview for its morning breakfast show.

‘‘Sorry, but I am still asleep,’’ said Federer. ‘‘Well, you sound awake to me,’’ said the insistent radio man. The Swiss star politely said no again, but no sooner had he placed the phone back on the hook than it rang a second time. This time a female voice made a similar request but she got the same reply. The last we heard, Federer was making some phone calls of his own — trying to track down the hotel employee who put the calls through.

from Swissinfo:
Swiss tennis star, Roger Federer, is making a brief visit to his native city of Basel. He was given a hero's welcome by cheering fans when he landed at the city's airport. On Monday, Federer officially became the tennis world number one after winning his second Grand Slam tournament at the Australian Open. Federer is due to play for the Swiss team in the Davis Cup competition against Romania later this week.

Feb 2, 2004 from Herald Sun:
Peerless Roger Federer was last night urged by former champions John McEnroe and Guillermo Vilas to set his sights on a serious assault on a calendar-year Grand Slam. McEnroe and Vilas said Federer had the game and momentum to sweep the French, Wimbledon and US titles on the 25th anniversary of the last male calendar-year Grand Slam -- Rod Laver's second.

McEnroe dubbed Federer "the 21st century Pete Sampras" after his Wimbledon eclipse of Mark Philippoussis in July. He said yesterday that the Swiss right-hander was "the most talented player I have ever had the pleasure of watching. I include my idol Rod Laver and Pete Sampras in that. He is one of the all-time shotmakers," McEnroe said on Channel 7. "If you had to pick one person who could do it (a calendar-year Grand Slam), it would be him. He has the capability of beating all players on all surfaces."

Vilas said Federer had become a better player since he collected a second consecutive first-round loss in June at the French Open. a quarter-final in 2001 is his best finish in Paris. "He's capable because he has won all three big finals he has been in. That's what it takes to win a Grand Slam," Vilas said. "He can pace himself in a match now and he has a fluctuation now rather than fall in the hole and stay there for a long time like he used to. "He knows how to fix things with variation and it's like he goes on automatic pilot."

Darren Cahill remains Roger Federer's long-term coaching target. Federer has privately discussed the possibility of replacing the Swede with Cahill. But Cahill is committed to world No. 4 Andre Agassi. While flattered by suggestions Federer was keen to secure his services, Cahill said he knew nothing about Federer's interest.

Cahill's close relationship with Federer's first coach Peter Carter, who was killed in a road accident in South Africa in 2002, gave Cahill the opportunity to observe Federer at close quarters. When Cahill was coaching Lleyton Hewitt, he and Carter organised for their charges to practise and play doubles together. Swiss sources insist Federer has only one coach in mind: Cahill. For the moment he will continue without a mentor.

from BBC:
Australian Open champion Roger Federer and French Open winner Juan Carlos Ferrero have agreed to play in the Hamburg Masters in May. The event was saved from financial collapse last year by tournament chairman Boris Becker. Federer won in Hamburg two years ago while Ferrero lost in the final three years ago to Spanish compatriot Albert Portas. Becker said Federer, 22, had promised late last year at a meeting in Switzerland to take part in the £1.6m tournament. "He is the most complete player on the tour and has now managed to turn his great talent into success," Becker said.

Feb 1, 2004 from Australian Open Official Site:
Roger Federer has won his first Australian Open title with a convincing straight-sets victory over Marat Safin. The new world No.1 added a second Grand Slam crown to the Wimbledon title he claimed last year, clinically rolling past the unseeded Russian 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 6-2 after two hours and 15 minutes.

Both players started nervously, with first Federer and then Safin dropping serve as they exchanged breaks - four in the first seven games of the match. Safin saved two set points in the 12th game of the opening set to send it to a tie-break, but never looked like taking that, as Federer won seven points to three. The start of the second set was fairly even, but the Swiss star broke in the fifth game and held firm for the remainder of the set - although Safin saved another three set points on his own serve in the ninth game.

Safin was looking increasingly drained and frustrated with his inability to execute as he had in the lead-up matches, seemingly unable to find his usually potent serve. After serving 33 aces and no double faults in his semi-final win over defending champion Andre Agassi, Safin managed just three aces along with five double faults as he searched for a way to lift himself into the match. Federer appeared to gain in confidence as the match progressed, although he made a number of uncharacteristic unforced errors, and two more breaks of serve in the third set saw him claim the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup. Federer had 40 winners and 28 unforced errors against Safin's 19 winners and 41 unforced errors.

Playing his first tournament since becoming the undefeated Tennis Masters Cup champion in Houston last November, Federer dropped just two sets throughout the tournament and extended his winning streak to 12 matches. Unlike Wimbledon, there were no tears on court this time as Federer received his trophy.

"What a great start to the year for me, winning the Open and becoming number one in the world, I put myself in a really good position when I won the Masters and to fulfil my dream of winning the Open and reaching number one, particularly in a stadium with some mixed memories because of Davis Cup, means so much to me," the Swiss smiled after collecting his check for $919,547. "I played great from the first match on. That Wimbledon victory for me was such a dream, such a relief, now I know that I can do it. Now this ... it is amazing."

"(Safin) had to battle. He's been longer on the court than me, way longer," Federer said. "It's really nice to see him back. He's a great guy and a great player."

"I would like to say congratulations Roger, first of all for becoming No. 1 player and beating me today," Safin said. "It was really impressive tennis during these two weeks and well done."

"I ran out of gas," Safin smiled. "I was too tired to keep up with him. I needed just a little bit more ... just a bit more energy to stay with him. But you know, it's not like I played against a yo-yo, a guy who doesn't know how to play tennis. You know what I mean? Let's give him some credit. He is a big player. He's number one in the world, sorry to tell you," he grinned.

Roger Federer holds the winner's trophy at the Australian Open. (Photo by AFP/William West)	Federer poses next to a cardboard cut-out of himself. (Photo by Reuters/Tim Wimborne)
Federer sprays beer as he celebrates his win at a photo shoot. (Photo by AP/Steve Holland)	Federer smiles at a news conference after his win. (Photo by Reuters/Stuart Milligan)

February 2004 from IOC:
Tennis star Roger Federer has crowned an amazing year, which included winning Wimbledon, by launching a charity to help children.

The professional tennis tour is known for its demanding schedule, with singles players often travelling the globe for up to 40 weeks a year. Yet despite the demands on his time and at the end of an exceptionally successful sporting year, Roger Federer has just launched a new project which aims to help children in sport, especially those from less well off backgrounds.

“Chances for young sports talents and children in need,” the Roger Federer Foundation’s motto boldly proclaims. As a young, developing player in his native Switzerland, Roger himself benefited from various youth charities. Now he has reached No.1 in the world and won the Australian Open, his second Grand Slam victory, Federer says he “wants to make his own contribution towards helping young sportsmen and sportswomen”.

“We are in the process of evaluating in which direction Roger wants to spread the money,” said Lynette Federer, Roger’s South African mother, who along with her husband Robert is working on the Foundation’s council. “This hasn’t yet been decided on exactly. But Roger knows he wants to invest in children, and especially in less privileged children.”

The 22-year-old Swiss player enjoyed a stunning year in 2003. He reached two ATP tournament finals and won a staggering seven titles, including his Grand Slam victory at Wimbledon and his undefeated run at the Tennis Masters Cup in Texas where he was crowned year-end champion. He also earned more prize money throughout the year than any other male player which will of course help the financial side of the Roger Federer Foundation.

But perhaps more important is his function as a role model for the charity. He is still a young player and therefore children all over the world will look up to him for inspiration. As he wins more titles (he has already won 12 singles and six doubles trophies in his short career, and more will undoubtedly follow), his name will become more famous around the world. This will in turn increase his Foundation’s influence.

Indeed, many of the sport’s most experienced observers have already predicted Roger’s path to tennis mmortality. Former world No.1 and seven-time Grand Slam tournaments winner John McEnroe believes that when the Swiss mister is playing his best tennis, there’s no other player anywhere in the world that can possibly beat him. “He’s already one of the best players that has ever played,” McEnroe states. The Roger Federer Foundation’s first beneficiaries are expected to be announced this spring.