It is not an unknown fact that Roger Federer started his run on the court by being a ball boy. His mother, Lynette Federer, once talked about his experience as a ball boy. She also talked about how he is different from other players when it comes to ball kids on various tours that he goes on.

Over the course of his more than two-decade-long career, the Swiss Maestro changed the face of the tennis world and brought immense popularity to the sport. However, according to his mother, he never forgot his humble beginnings in tennis.

How does Roger Federer treat ball kids on the court?

The love and support that Federer has received from his fans are not only because of his gameplay but also because of his polite demeanor. The player has always treated ball kids with love and respect. He has not forgotten his beginnings and hence has become a role model for millions around the world. Lynette Federer, mother of the Swiss Maestro, talked about his behavior around ball kids on the court.

She said, “I am always struck by it when I watch him all over the world and how he treats the ball kids. He would never misuse them in any way.” She added, “He is always very respectful towards them. He always passes the ball to them or sometimes challenges them.”

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Federer’s mother talked about the extra effort that he puts in for the ball kids. She said, “That’s really nice because it can become a little boring when you are standing in a corner and wait for the balls. I think he is always very aware of the ball kids.”

Federer, from a ball boy to a tennis legend 

Federer started in tennis by being a ball boy. At the 1993 Swiss Indoors, he served as a ball boy, and subsequently was inspired by the prominent star on the ATP tour at that time. Subsequently, he trained resiliently and won his first grand slam title at the 2003 Wimbledon Championships. His mother talked about how he was a ball boy. She said, “He loved just being around the players.” Hailing his achievements, she said, “He was a ball kid and today he is on the Centre Court and it’s actually an amazing story.”

His love and admiration for ball kids continue till now. Recently Federer also made an announcement for the kids to audition for being ball kids at the Laver Cup. The Laver Cup will be the player’s last tournament before retiring from professional tennis.

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