20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is one of six people selected to appear on the front cover of Time Magazine to mark their most influential people issue.
The Times 100 list, which was created in 1999, recognizes individuals that have made a significant contribution around the world. Featuring an array of people working in fields such as entertainment, politics and technology. This year’s top 100 feature US president Donald Trump, North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un and Meghan Markle, the fiance of Prince Harry.
Federer has made it onto the list, thanks to his work both on and off the court. In January he became the first male player in history to win a 20th grand slam singles title at the Australian Open. A month later he returned to world No.1 at the age of 36. Becoming the oldest person to ever hold that position. He currently has 97 ATP titles to his name, which is the second highest in the Open Era.
Outside of tennis, the Swiss world No.2 has been praised for his charity work. The Roger Federer Foundation raises money to provide education and sport access to children across Africa. He has held a series of ‘match for Africa’ exhibitions to raise money for the cause. One of those who have taken part in the fundraising is Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who paid tribute to Federer in an essay written for time.com.
“Twice I’ve had the thrill of being his doubles partner to help raise money for his foundation, and we’ve become friends in the process. I’ve learned how sincerely Roger and his team are working to improve the life prospects for poor children—a mission that stems from his childhood visits to his mother’s home country of South Africa and seeing extreme poverty firsthand.” Gates wrote.
“Roger knows that effective philanthropy, like great tennis, requires discipline and time. It will be a sad day for all of us fans when he hangs up his racket—but we can take comfort in knowing that he’s committed to making the world a more equitable place.”
In total the magazine released six different covers to mark their issue. Besides Federer, Tarana Burke, Tiffany Haddish, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez and Satya Nadella were also selected to have their own cover.
Federer is one of only seven athletes to be named in the Times 100 this year. The others are the NBA team Golden State Warriors, J.J. Watt (NFL), Adam Rippon (figure skating), Chloe Kim (snowboarding), Virat Kohli (cricket) and Rachael Denhollander (gymnastics).
.@BillGates: “@Rogerfederer knows that effective philanthropy, like great tennis, requires discipline and time" #TIME100 https://t.co/dSCGCiPufw pic.twitter.com/08CmCY4xbL
— TIME (@TIME) April 19, 2018
