Springboks Fan Roger Federer – Why Is South Africa So Special to the Tennis Legend?

The Rugby World Cup has come to an end, and South Africa has emerged triumphant yet again. The ‘Springboks’ successfully defended their crown against New Zealand. As their iconic captain, Siya Kolisi, lifted the trophy at the Stade de France, Roger Federer indulged in passionate celebrations in the crowd. But he was not alone. The Swiss Maestro, as he is fondly known in the world of tennis and beyond, was alongside his mother, Lynette Federer, his wife Mirka, and kids. The victory struck a deep chord with the family for a specific reason.

At this point, one question might crop up in everybody’s minds: Why does Roger Federer care so much about the South African rugby team? After all, Federer is from Switzerland. However, the fact is that South Africa will always remain special to the tennis legend – for a particular reason.

Roger Federer’s South African connection

On February 2, 1952, Lynette Du Rand was born in the South African city of Germiston. In the years to come, Du Rand would complete her schooling in South Africa, following which she would join the ranks at Ciba, a chemical company headquartered in Switzerland. At the time of joining Ciba, Du Rand was only 18 years old. However, never in her wildest dreams would she have thought that her professional association with Ciba would transform her personal life as well. And that’s exactly what happened.

During her time with Ciba, Du Rand met Robert Federer, a Swiss native, and the two kept on meeting. Eventually, they fell in love, and in 1973, the couple tied the knot in Switzerland, and Lynette Du Rand became Lynette Federer. Six years later, they welcomed Diana, their daughter, and in 1981, a boy graced their lives. They decided to name him Roger, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Since marriage, the Federers, including Lynette, have proudly identified as Swiss. However, deep within her and her son’s veins, their South African roots were just as strong. As a result, when it comes to supporting South Africa, Roger Federer is just as passionate as he is when it comes to representing Switzerland.

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The same happened to be the case when he arrived at the Stade de France to cheer on his good friend Siya Kolisi as the ‘Springboks’ squared off against the ‘All Blacks’.

Donning a deep green-gold scarf in Paris, Federer showed his support for South Africa

Federer’s unrelenting support for his friend Siya Kolisi and the ‘Springboks’ was out there for all to see. He followed every second of the Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France in Paris. Federer donned a deep green and gold scarf – the official colors of South Africa, and so did the rest of his family.

It’s fair to say that for a few hours, the Federers in attendance weren’t Swiss anymore, but rather completely immersed in their South African roots. And by the end of the contest, Federer couldn’t help but stand and applaud for the ‘Springboks’, as they clinched yet another Rugby World Cup.

What do you think? Is Roger Federer more Swiss at heart, or is the South African in him more prominent? Let us know in the comments below.

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