Roger Federer’s life away from the court has always fascinated tennis fans just as much as his legendary record-breaking career. The Swiss great has a lovely family with his wife Mirka and their four children, who have grown up watching him travel the world and win titles on the sport’s biggest stage.
As Federer steps back into the spotlight at the Australian Open opening ceremony, he will have the support of his family along with millions of fans around the world.
Roger Federer’s Wife Mirka, Children, and Their “Sporty Family”
Federer met Miroslava “Mirka” Vavrinec at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, where both were representing Switzerland in tennis. They shared their first kiss on the last day of the event and started dating soon after, keeping their relationship private for nearly two years before they appeared together at the 2002 Hopman Cup.
Mirka is a former WTA professional with a career best ranking of World No. 76 and was forced retire in 2002 due to a chronic foot injury. Since then, she joined Federer’s team and became a constant presence during his matches.
The couple married on April 11, 2009, in a small ceremony in Basel attended by close friends and family. Just months later, on July 23, 2009, they welcomed identical twin daughters, Myla Rose and Charlene Riva, who are currently 16 years old. On May 6, 2014, Federer and Mirka welcomed fraternal twin boys, Leo and Lenny (Lennart), who are now 11. All four children spent much of their early lives traveling on tour with their parents, often spotted in the players’ box at Grand Slams and major events.
Federer’s wife and their children are set to be in his box for his latest appearance at Rod Laver Arena, supporting him against the best in the world as they have done throughout his career.
Federer has frequently credited Mirka for the stability and support that allowed him to compete at the very top of the sport. He has spoken about how she gave him confidence and stayed by his side even while being pregnant, and raised their children when he was writing history.
In more recent interviews, the 20-time Grand Slam champion has also opened up about his children’s relationship with tennis and sport in general.
In an interview with NotYouCountryClub, he explained that only one of his sons is currently serious about competition, stating:
“And in terms of tennis, one of my boys, Leo, he’s playing some tennis tournaments. And then Mila, Charlene, and Lenny they’re a little less into the game. But they all play. Like they all ski and they all play golf. So I’m happy. We are a sporty family, and it’s good to get out there and do some sports, not just tennis.”
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Battle of No. 1s Ahead of the 2026 Australian Open Main Draw
Federer returned to Melbourne in 2026 for a high-profile exhibition scheduled on Saturday, January 17. He headlines the Australian Open’s Opening Ceremony with a Battle of World No. 1s exhibition on Rod Laver Arena, joining fellow former No. 1s Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, and Pat Rafter in a special doubles showcase.
It marks Federer’s first appearance on the court where he lifted six Australian Open singles titles, which he famously dubbed his “Happy Slam.”
With the qualifying rounds now over at Melbourne Park, the focus now shifts to practice courts and promotional events. Federer has been active since his arrival, taking part in practice and media sessions while the current generation prepares for the season’s first Grand Slam.
The main draw of the Australian Open begins on Sunday, January 18, with day and night sessions across Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena, and the outside courts, as the men’s and women’s singles campaigns officially kick off.
