When Swiss tennis veteran Roger Federer retired last month, after 24 years on the ATP Tour, with a whopping 20 Grand Slam titles under his belt, it meant the end of an era.
Click start to play today’s Crossword, where Federer features in one of the clues.
He played his final professional match in a doubles game at the fifth edition of the Laver Cup. Fittingly, his old rival, Spanish player Rafael Nadal was by his side. Although they lost the match, fans around the world know Federer left the tennis court a legend.
But just who is he, outside the court? Here are five non-tennis related facts about Federer, to help you get to know him:
1. He used to be vegetarian
Up until his teenage years, Federer did not touch meat. This, despite the fact that his family were non-vegetarian and he wasn’t guided by any religious beliefs to avoid meat. However, his preferences changed when, at 14, he joined full-time tennis training at a camp, where options were limited. He reportedly said the experience taught him how to eat anything to survive.
2. He’s a keen swimmer
It’s not just tennis Federer loves – one of his favourite activities is swimming. As the owner of an extensive number of properties, Federer is said to have a swimming pool at every home he owns. He even has a holiday home in the Maldives, where he swims to his heart’s content right in the ocean.
3. He plays the piano
In addition to being one of the greatest sportsmen of all time, Federer is also fond of music. And he doesn’t just love listening, he’s known to play a few instruments too. As a young boy, Federer learned how to play the piano, and continues to practice even today. He also plays the violin – a skill he exhibited in a video tribute for the Switzerland-based Lucerne Festival’s 75th anniversary.
Did you know these fun facts about Federer? Play today’s Crossword and tell us at games@gulfnews.com.
