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Roger Federer advanced to the Semifinals of the 2014 U.S. Open, and his wife, Mirka, was supporting him from the sidelines.
In June, they welcomed their second pair of twins, creating two possible sets of double partners in the future.
The couple tied the knot in 2009, and Mirka is frequently seen by her husband’s side. “She’s been a rock in my corner,” he once said.
Here’s all you need to know about the new mom and supportive tennis wife.
1. This Is Her Second Set of Twins
#tbt @rogerfederer and #mirkafederer when Charlene and Myla were born L) #federer #fedfam pic.twitter.com/R9VBnisE7b
— Jacob Daniels (@RF_burns_red) May 1, 2014
In less than five years, the couple welcomed two sets of twins!
Newborns Leo and Lenny joined siblings Myla Rose and Charlene Riva, born in July of 2009.
When he was a father for the first time, he had said on his website:
This is the greatest day of our lives. Mirka, Myla and Charlene are all healthy and doing very well.
Mirka is known to bring the kids courtside to watch their father in action.
Federer realized this is rare in the sports world, and told the New York Times:
And maybe that’s one of the reasons that makes me very happy when I’m playing and makes me very motivated, because I know this is not a normal situation I’m in, being able to play with a healthy, happy family next to me, because the easiest thing would be to say, ‘Let’s just stay home and take care of the kids.’
Federer’s older sister Diana also has twins.
Mirka and I are so incredibly happy to share that Leo and Lenny were born this evening! #TwinsAgain #Miracle
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) May 6, 2014
2. Her Husband Took Off to Be With Her
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The 32-year-old pro opted out of the Madrid Open, which he won three times.
His agent, Tony Godsick, made this statement:
Roger plans on playing Roland Garros and he will make a decision at the last minute if he will play Rome depending on how everything is going with his family.
However, in a press conference before the birth, he did say:
I’ve played enough tennis matches. Missing a tournament or missing a match wouldn’t change anything for me.
3. She a Former Tennis Pro Herself
Miroslava ‘Mirka’ Vavrinec was born in Czechoslovakia and moved to Switzerland as a toddler.
In 1987, she met pro Martina Navratilova, who convinced her to join tennis.
So now there will be a Fed cup team and a Davis cup team:). Congrats Roger and Mirka!!! http://t.co/SzIKxKxK7d
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) May 7, 2014
In the above video, Mirka and her husband played doubles at the Hopman Cup in 2002.
The interviewer asked her, “Is the guy you’re with, is he very nice?”
She answered, “He’s very nice, too.”
4. She Met Roger at the 2000 Olympics
They were both representing their native Switzerland in tennis.
Federer actually admitted that he had once stayed away from dating tennis players. However, after they met, he realized how dating a fellow player actually helped him.
“But in my situation, I think it really does help, because she knows in some ways what it takes, and she did it on a level that was still very good but not at my level,” he told the Times.
5. She Managed Her Husband’s Career
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One of Federer’s coaches, Paul Annacone, talked about her commitment:
She still plays a huge role and has great input and impact. She understands the big picture extremely well and does a great job in terms of letting us work but also shares invaluable information. This is a tricky balance. She’s been there since day one, so she knows very well what it takes and how to get there.
Her duties included organizing travel and media commitments.
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Mirka Federer: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know