Former World No. 1 Roger Federer has made a startling revelation that his kids had trolled him about being the second best player in the world, behind Rafael Nadal in the ATP rankings.
The 19-time Grand Slam champion received the Swiss Sportsman of the Year award on Sunday. After receiving his award, the 36-year-old made the shocking claim that his own kids had questioned him about why he was getting the award despite being the World No. 2 behind his great rival Nadal who is ranked No. 1 on the ATP’s charts.
“After dinner my kids asked me where I was going,” he said.
“I told them there is this awards gala where I could win a prize.
“Then they said: ‘But isn’t Rafa number 1?!'”
The crowd burst into laughter after listening to the Basel native’s revelation.
The other contenders at the award ceremony were gymnast Pablo Bragger, downhill skier Beat Feuz, ice hockey player Roman Josi and handball ace Andy Schmid.
But, none of them had matched Federer as far as results were concerned as Federer captured his 18th and 19th Grand Slam titles and had received 37% of the total votes cast to claim the award.
Roger, who is preparing for next month’s Australian Open at his base in Dubai, will be eying his 20th Grand Slam in Melbourne. The field at the year’s first Grand Slam will get a definite boost with two members of the ‘Big Four’ Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray and Federer’s compatriot, triple Major winner Stan Wawrinka making their comebacks after being sidelined for nearly six-months because of injuries.
