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Sports • Tennis

Roger Federer

Roger Federer is a retired Swiss professional tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Roger Federer is a retired Swiss professional tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history. He won 20 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, including a record eight Wimbledon Championships, and played professionally from 1998 to 2022.

Early life and junior career

Federer began playing tennis as a child in Basel and rose through Switzerland’s junior ranks. He gained attention as a junior player before entering the professional circuit in the late 1990s.

Professional career

Federer became one of the dominant players of the early 21st century, winning major titles across all four Grand Slam tournaments. His career included long stretches at or near world No. 1 and notable rivalries with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. He also played several high-profile matches in Canada, including at Canadian Masters events in Toronto and Montreal, and remains a major figure for Canadian tennis audiences.

Major achievements

His career highlights include 20 Grand Slam singles titles, eight Wimbledon crowns, and a career Grand Slam. He also won the Olympic doubles gold medal in 2008 and an Olympic singles silver medal in 2012.

Retirement and legacy

Federer retired from professional tennis in 2022 after his final appearance at the Laver Cup. He is widely cited in tennis histories as one of the sport’s greatest players.

Key facts

  • Federer won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, a major-era record at his retirement.
  • He holds a record eight Wimbledon men's singles titles.
  • He completed the career Grand Slam with his 2009 French Open victory.
  • He won Olympic medals in both singles and doubles.
  • He retired from professional tennis in 2022.
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Canadian context

Federer has played several high-profile matches in Canada, including at Canadian Masters events in Toronto and Montreal, and he remains a major figure for Canadian tennis audiences and fans.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Roger Federer?
Roger Federer is a retired Swiss professional tennis player best known for his 20 Grand Slam singles titles and record eight Wimbledon victories.
When was Roger Federer born?
He was born on August 8, 1981, in Basel, Switzerland.
How many Grand Slam titles did Roger Federer win?
He won 20 Grand Slam men’s singles titles.
What is Roger Federer’s greatest Wimbledon achievement?
He won eight Wimbledon men’s singles titles, the most in the tournament’s history.
When did Roger Federer retire?
He retired from professional tennis in 2022.
Did Roger Federer win Olympic medals?
Yes. He won two Olympic medals: a gold medal in men’s doubles in 2008 and a silver medal in men’s singles in 2012.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Roger-Federer
    Supports: Birth date and place, Swiss nationality, playing career dates, and Grand Slam title totals.
  2. Roger Federer official sitehttps://rogerfederer.com/
    Supports: Retirement in 2022, 20 Grand Slam titles, 103 singles titles, and foundation-related activities.
  3. Olympics.comhttps://www.olympics.com/it/atleti/roger-federer
    Supports: Biographical details, junior development, and Olympic participation.
  4. Biography.comhttps://www.biography.com/athletes/roger-federer
    Supports: Professional debut, first Grand Slam title, and overall major-title record.