Federer Named Swiss Sportsman of Year for 9th Time

Roger Federer has been chosen as Swiss Sportsman of the Year for the ninth time (including twice as member of the Team of the Year).

The 36-year-old tennis star enjoyed a sensational comeback year, winning the Australian Open, Wimbledon and five other ATP tournaments, Fox Sports reported.

But not sensational enough according to Federer’s children, who cheekily believe Rafael Nadal has had a better season than their dad.

Federer could not pick up the award in person at the ceremony in Zurich as he was training in Dubai, but he appeared on a giant screen. “It’s been a massive year - perhaps my favorite! If 2018 is half as successful, then I’ll be happy,” he said.

But the tone of Federer’s acceptance speech took a humorous and cheeky tone when he discussed his family.

Speaking in Swiss German, Federer detailed an awkward conversation with his kids, who clearly were not convinced their dad deserved an award due to the form of his great rival.

“After dinner, my kids asked me where I was going. I told them there is this awards gala where I could win a prize. Then they said: ‘But isn’t Rafa No. 1?’” Federer laughed.

Upon hearing Federer’s tale, the small audience in attendance also burst into laughter.

Ultimately, Fed’s kids - twin girls Myla and Charlene and twin boys Lenny and Leo - do have a point, because their dad is second to No. 1 Nadal.

Skier Wendy Holdener was named Sportswoman of the Year, having won the ladies’ combined event and slalom silver at the Alpine Ski World Championships in St. Moritz, a high Alpine resort in the Engadine in Switzerland, last year.

The male national football squad was chosen as Team of the Year. Switzerland, managed by Vladimir Petkovic, won nine of their ten qualification matches for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and beat Northern Ireland in the play-offs to book their place in the tournament.