Roger Federer is a sporting icon, known for his decorum on and off the tennis court.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who retired from his playing career in 2022, won his first major honour in 2003 at Wimbledon.
Federer went on to win eight Wimbledon titles in total, the last being in 2017.
What was the reason for Federer’s success? His preparation on the court certainly played a part – by all accounts, there were not many players who behaved in a more professional manner while Federer was on the Tour.
His off-court preparation also played a major role, including what he ate before matches.
Roger Federer ate a plate of pasta with a light sauce before every match for 20 years
In 2018, Roger Federer revealed his pre-match meal, which had remained the same for 20 years.
As reported by the Daily Express in 2018, Federer said: “I try to eat in a balanced way and try to experiment with different foods on days I don’t have to play in,”
“I am a lover of Italian, Japanese and Indian restaurants, while in winter, I like fonduta and raclette a lot.
“Two hours before every match, I eat a pasta plate with light sauce, and I don’t say this only because now I am in the Barilla campaign.
“I have been doing it for 20 years, that’s why this partnership is real.”
It seems the Swiss Maestro’s pre-match diet continued long into the future. In 2020, chef Andrea Tranchero revealed Federer’s order in an interview with Daily Mail Australia.
Tranchero, who runs the Masters of Pasta pop-up restaurant in Melbourne, said: “Roger orders spaghetti pomodoro from the restaurant. We deliver one portion to Roger and his team three hours prior to his match.
“[There are] no unusual requests [from Roger], the order is always for the same, simple and classic dish.”
Roger Federer’s favourite holiday destination
In 2019, Federer revealed that his favourite holiday destination is the Maldives, as reported by Robb Report.
He said: “My favorite destination would have to be the Maldives.
“I love a beach vacation with my family, where at the end of the day, I can have a beautiful quiet dinner with my wife or a wonderful time with friends.
“I also like a mountain vacation, with a view of a great blue sky and snowy peaks. Sunglasses are also the one summer accessory I can’t live without!”
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