Roger Federer, a name synonymous with excellence in tennis, embodies the journey of mastering a sport and succeeding at its highest levels. Hailing from a small Swiss village, Federer’s rise to World No. 1 is a testament to his dedication and skill. Beyond his on-court achievements, Federer has been deeply committed to giving back to the community, a mission that faced challenges but is now set to take a significant step forward after years of legal hurdles.
Federer’s journey began at the Tennis Club Old Boys in Basel, where he started training at the age of eight. His talent quickly became evident, and by 14, he had won the Swiss national junior championship, earning a place at the Swiss Tennis House national training center in Biel. After retiring in 2022 at the Laver Cup, Federer turned his attention to supporting young athletes who aspire to achieve their dreams, just as he once did.
As part of his efforts, Federer envisioned transforming the TC Old Boys club, where he honed his craft as a junior. In 2016, he committed to funding a significant redevelopment of the club, including a “Roger Federer Hall” as part of an ambitious 8-million-Swiss-franc project. The plans initially included sports facilities on the building’s roof. However, this proposal faced strong opposition from local residents, who were concerned about potential noise, light pollution, and the building’s height. These objections delayed the project and led to a reassessment of its scope.
In response to the concerns, the Basel-Stadt Court of Appeal in 2021 required the project to resubmit its development plans. After extensive review and adjustments, the Basel Parliament recently approved the project, albeit with modifications that exclude rooftop facilities. Despite these changes, the approval marks a significant milestone, allowing Federer’s long-awaited vision to proceed.
Meanwhile, the tennis world continues to reflect on the legacy of the “Big Three”—Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. With Nadal recently concluding his career at the Davis Cup and Federer retired since 2022, Djokovic remains the last active member of this iconic trio. The Serbian champion, who emerged as a dominant force during the peak of Federer and Nadal’s rivalry, has expressed hopes of building a closer relationship with them in the future.
During an interview on 60 Minutes at the end of the 2023 season, Djokovic revealed his desire for camaraderie with Federer and Nadal. He acknowledged that their off-court interactions were not particularly close during their competitive years but expressed optimism about fostering friendships once their careers are fully behind them. “I hope that one day, when the curtains are slightly more closed, we can sit down and reflect,” Djokovic said, imagining the trio reminiscing about their storied rivalry and shared experiences.
The legacy of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic extends beyond their remarkable achievements, capturing the imagination of fans who dream of the three legends reconnecting and celebrating their unparalleled contributions to tennis.