Federal Councillor Viola Amherd: “Today Roger Federer, one of the all-time tennis greats, has announced his retirement. He is not only an exceptional athlete, but a man of exceptional character as well.

I am known to be a great fan of tennis – and of Roger Federer – and it was always a pleasure watching him play live. The 2019 Wimbledon final remains an unforgettable highlight for me – an epic battle packed with intensity and emotion for players and spectators alike.

Federer’s achievements are simply awe-inspiring. He has played at the pinnacle of his sport for more than 20 years, winning 20 grand slams and 103 ATP singles titles. He has spent 310 weeks as world No 1, including a record streak of 237 consecutive weeks. He is an extraordinary athlete by any measure and one of Switzerland’s most iconic sports figures.

And yet Roger Federer has remained firmly grounded, both on and off the court, throughout his storied career. He has always been a true gentleman.

This made him the perfect role model for an entire generation of girls and boys who loved tennis, and sports more broadly. It is not too much to say that he has been a role model for all of us – young and old, in Switzerland and around the world – both in sports and in life.

I can’t imagine a better ambassador for our country.

My heartfelt congratulations to Roger Federer on his legendary career. I hope that tennis will remain a positive force in his life, and wish him all the very best as he begins this new chapter.”

‘One of the all-time greats’ – sports minister Viola Amherd pays tribute to Roger Federer’s extraordinary career