interview Roger federer 63 F ew exceptional sporting personalities can embody the values of Rolex as comprehensively as Roger Federer. His unique career is characterized by excellence and elegance, transcending the world of sport. And the Swiss tennis phenomenon is simply one of a kind in the annals of tennis history, with 17 Grand Slam titles to his name. Rolex has cultivated a privileged relationship with tennis, forming an alliance that dates back to the late 1970s when the brand became the Official Timekeeper of Wimbledon. Rolex is proud to be a major force at play behind the finest events, players and organizations in this great sport, from Wimbledon and the Australian Open to Roger Federer, who has been associated with the brand since 2001. How important is a Grand Slam for a sportsman? The Grand Slam for a tennis player is clearly one of the great goals in our sport alongside winning the ATP World Tour Finals and reaching world number 1. I was so emotional after I won my very first Grand Slam and, now, when I think back to the image of me holding up the trophy, I can’t help but thinking how incredibly lucky I was to have had that experience – it is truly something special. Rod Laver is one of the few sportsmen who was able to win the Grand Slam. He once said that it was an honour for him to be compared with Roger Federer. What significance does he have for you? Few sports have a longer or richer history than tennis and no player occupies a bigger part of that history than Rod Laver. Winning all four majors in the same calendar year to complete the Grand Slam, on two separate occasions no less, is one of the greatest feats a player can accomplish and probably one of the greatest feats in all of sport. Rod is quite simply one of the nicest individuals I have ever met. He is warm, generous and good humoured. He conducts himself with an endearing humility which promotes his status as not only a tennis great but also a genuine legend of world sport. Therefore, it is an honour for me to be compared to him, too, and the sport of tennis is so lucky to have someone like Rod Laver. Whether tennis or equestrian sport – how important is it for a tournament to be part of the Grand Slam? Being part of the Grand Slam is a very unique and prestigious label because in tennis the Grand Slams take place over two weeks, instead of the normal one-week period, and thus they get a larger audience both in terms of fans and media coverage. It also coveys the sense of history as all the Slams have a long and deep tradition. What characteristics does a professional sportsman have to have, regardless of the discipline, in order to be able to achieve outstanding performances over a long period of time? There are many aspects that one needs to focus on as a professional sportsman – regardless of the discipline – to be able to achieve outstanding performances over a long period of time. A few major aspects would definitely be physical strength and training, as well as good health, but I also think you need to have momentum to win, too.
Rolex Grand Slam magazine - Number 2
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