Former Olympic downhill champion Lindsey Vonn was left stunned after she received a special tribute from multiple grand slam champion Roger Federer.
On Sunday Vonn participated in the final race of her career at the FIS Alpine Skiing Championships in Are, Sweden. Finishing third in the women’s downhill competition, Vonn became the oldest women in history to medal in the championships and the first female racer to win a medal at six world championships. Another record for an athlete who is statistically the most successful female skier in the history of the sport.
Speaking with Swiss media after her latest achievement, Vonn was handed a phone from a reporter. On it was a video from Federer, who praised the American and wished her a happy retirement. Prompting a clearly delighted Vonn to shout ‘ROGER, oh shut up,’ when she saw the video. Vowing to go to Wimbledon to watch him play later this year.
https://twitter.com/RTSsport/status/1094615792329678850
34-year-old Vonn is a keen tennis fan and has been spotted attending numerous tennis tournaments. During an interview with Forbes magazine in 2017, she said she tried her hand at the sport at a young age. Although Vonn said she was ‘terrible‘ and switched her focus to ski racing instead.
“My dad tried to get me to play tennis when I was four, and I was terrible.” Said Vonn. “So then he switched me back to ski racing. But I’ve just always loved it. It’s very physical, it requires a lot of mental strength.”
As to who she idolised, Vonn said it was the formidable Pete Sampras that sparked her love for the sport. Although she is a big fan of Federer’s ‘graceful‘ play and cited his six-month injury absence back in 2016 as inspiration for her when she was experiencing her own physical struggles. Vonn has been involved in numerous high speed crashes during her career.
“Pete Sampras was the one that really got me into tennis. And then of course, when Roger [Federer] came along and beat Pete. Roger’s style and just the way he plays is just so graceful, he makes it so fun to watch. And when he and Nadal are rivalling to many times, and watching Wimbledon so many times when they were playing against each other. For me as an athlete, it’s inspiring to watch.” She said.
Vonn ends her career with 82 World Cup wins, four overall titles and one Olympic gold medal from 2010.
