Roger Federer reflects on highly positive year for his foundation, highlights its biggest achievements ahead of 20th anniversary
Roger Federer expressed his pride in another 'impactful' year for the Roger Federer Foundation, which continues to provide early education for children globally, with a focus on the African region. The Swiss tennis great also highlighted some of the biggest achievements of the organization since its inception in 2003, which included providing early childhood education to 2.4 million children so far.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion founded the RF Foundation 20 years ago, with the main aim of providing educational opportunities to children at a very early stage, particularly in the world's most underdeveloped regions. The Swiss maestro himself has visited many different locations over the years to further promote the work of his foundation.
With the organization set to complete two decades of work on the field, Federer looked back at a positive 2022, revealing that the foundation has been making a great impact in Southern Africa of late.
"This last year, 2022, has been another impactful year for the foundation. We continue to make strides across Southern Africa with early childhood education," Federer wrote on Instagram.
He then took the opportunity to highlight some of the RF Foundation's biggest contributions to society over his 20-year history so far. Along with helping 2.4 million children by providing higher quality early education, the organization has trained more than 44,000 teachers, helped improve the quality of the curriculum of more than 12,000 educational institutions, and spread its work in seven different countries.
Additionally, Federer and other partners in his foundation have invested 77.5 million Swiss francs towards children's education in Switzerland and Southern Africa, as the eight-time Wimbledon champion revealed.
"Thanks to everyone who has been there to support me since 2003. This year we will celebrate our 20th anniversary together!" he added in his statement.
The 41-year-old has also competed in many charity matches over the years alongside some of his biggest rivals, including Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, with the proceeds of the same going towards the RF Foundation.
Roger Federer Foundation CEO lavishes praise on Swiss great, calls him the 'nicest boss ever'
Apart from contributing to a great cause through the work of the Roger Federer Foundation, those working there seem to have the privilege of collaborating with a great boss too. The organization's CEO, Janine Handel, recently opened up about working with the Swiss tennis superstar, calling him the 'nicest boss ever.' She also revealed that he is open to advice from her and others working at the RF Foundation and is always eager to learn from them.
"Without wanting to insult previous bosses - he is the nicest boss I've ever had," Handel told FUW in a recent interview. "Because he is an empathetic boss. Otherwise I would have been gone a long time ago."
"I can only advise Roger Federer well if I don't see the star. Roger is open to advice, eager to learn and ambitious," she further expressed.
The 41-year-old former player is reportedly in talks to take up the role of commentator and analyst at Wimbledon this year. He will also be seen at the Laver Cup later this year in Vancouver, probably as a mentor for Team Europe, exactly a year after he retired from the sport at the same tournament.