“…Wait. Is pong a sport? Or is it a way of life?” Roger Federer and his wife Mirka last played doubles back in 2002, Hopman Cup. After over 2 decades, the pair got back together to play again. However, this time it wasn’t tennis, or the bigger version of ping-pong (pickleball as per Federer), but Beer Pong! Post his retirement from professional tennis, the 20-time Grand Slam champion tried his hands at things he had missed during his time on the court. From golf, skiing, vacationing and also finishing college!

Federer was at Dartmouth to receive his degree, awarded by the university. Though he did not attend college in the class of 2024, he was certain of not missing the endings! And with a competitive spirit, he dived into the crowd to play Beer Pong. Though not alone, with his ‘doubles partner for life‘, Mirka. In a recent talk with TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, while discussing his recent documentary, Federer also narrated an interesting experience with Beer Pong.

Although tennis legend thought it would be a cakewalk after his tennis success, with Mirka by his side, the fun game tested him to the end. “Oh yeah, there you go,” he said. “I was at Dartmouth for graduation. It was more difficult than I thought. I thought I was going to sink in every shot into the cups.”

Federer was left disappointed as it proved to be more challenging and all the thoughts of crushing his opponents flew out of the window. Though the pair ended up winning, it wasn’t dominating, they made a comeback. “I thought I was going to dominate. I mean I won with Mirka. We Won together in a come-from-behind victory.”

During a recent trip to Hanover, New Hampshire, Federer actively engaged with sports, hinting at a future beyond tennis. “There is another reason I’m here, and I can sum it up in two words: Beer pong,” he joked. “Or pong, as you call it. And I guess you can call it what you like-I’m told Dartmouth invented it!” Appreciating the company he tested his shots with, the 8-time Wimbledon champion said, “Dartmouth is the Wimbledon of Pong. I’m glad I got to work on my shots with some of you. I’m actually thinking about turning pro.” Whether it’s Pong or tennis, Federer certainly wants to be back at Wimbledon!

Phew! Federer must have wiped the sweat off his brow after claiming the victory, while being thankful for his lady luck’s support as his partner. However, this is not the first time that Federer has publicly expressed his gratitude for Mirka’s contribution to his life. Recently, the director of “Federer: Twelve Final Days” concurred with Federer’s thoughts about the same.

Joe Sabia’s praise for Roger Federer’s supportive wife Mirka

For more than two decades of his professional career, Mirka has supported Federer from behind the scenes. However, Federer draws the curtain to let people peek into his life outside of court through his documentary. Mirka’s role in his life has garnered massive limelight, as she steps in front of the camera. Recently Sabia, director of Federer’s documentary, opened up about her support from the get-go.

While recalling the events from the start, he said, “Mirka was very supportive, That was day 1 of, of the 12 days. Roger recording his announcement…Just moments before his children came from sports practice. Mirka was there, obviously. But before we wrapped for the day, you know, I think there was a consensus among this very small private circle of people that were there in that room. To say, like hey… let’s let’s get Mirka on the camera, right”

Things took an emotional turn throughout the making of the documentary. But Federer is all hearts as he thanks his wife for her unwavering support as she managed his career and household!