Roger Federer exclusive interview: a man and his mountains

He’s particularly proud of this relationship. In July, at the opening of Watches of Switzerland Group’s stunning flagship Rolex boutique on London’s Bond Street, Federer was interviewed by former tennis pro and fellow Rolex testimonee Vijay Amritraj, telling him, “I hope that I’ve brought Rolex even more into tennis, with my presence of being Swiss and winning Wimbledon and going global as a little Swiss guy. That is something I’m very proud of.”

This endearing humility is particularly apparent in his annual campaign with Switzerland Tourism. Each year, the tennis star partners with a different Hollywood A-lister to showcase a different part of Switzerland—he kicked things off in 2021 with a viral video featuring Robert de Niro. In it, Federer tries to convince the actor to make a film about Switzerland, an offer the native New Yorker declines because everything in Switzerland looks “too perfect”, adding he “needs drama”. This was followed by equally witty segments featuring American actor Anne Hathaway in 2022, South African comedian Trevor Noah in 2023 and Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen in 2024.

This year’s campaign star is American actor Halle Berry, with whom Federer enjoyed a boat ride on Lake Lucerne and nature walks in the lush mountains of Emmetten. “[Berry] has this effortless grace and quiet strength that you instantly notice, and it really shone during our time together in Switzerland,” Federer recalls. “What I loved most was her genuine curiosity—about the mountains, the food, the people. It was clear she wasn’t just here to film something; she truly wanted to experience it all, and that meant a lot to me.”

Despite his love for the great outdoors, Federer encourages visitors to explore Switzerland’s cities as well. “I enjoy the mix of tradition and modern life in places like Zurich, Basel, Geneva and Lausanne—each has its own unique energy and character,” he says. “The old towns, markets and local festivals are lively and welcoming, and there’s a strong sense of community. I appreciate the little details, like how clean and organised the cities are, and how history blends with new ideas. That balance is what makes Swiss urban life special.”

The tennis star even let us in on a local secret: “For travellers looking for something authentic and less crowded, I would personally recommend Engadine, especially the village of Sils Maria. It’s a place of understated elegance, with pristine lakes and
breathtaking mountain scenery. It offers a perfect blend of luxury and genuine Swiss hospitality, away from the usual tourist spots.”

Read more: Hitting the slopes: The best ski destinations in Switzerland

Federer was born and raised in the city of Basel, 300km northwest of Engadine, where he lived an active lifestyle playing multiple sports including badminton, football and, of course, tennis. “My parents supported me by letting me choose my own path and not putting too much pressure on results, which helped me enjoy the process and stay motivated,” he says. “Even now, I see the benefits of sport in building confidence and teaching life lessons—whether you win or lose, you learn how to handle challenges and keep moving forward. These are skills that go far beyond the court and set you up for whatever comes next in life.”

This realisation ultimately led him to establish The Roger Federer Foundation in 2003, an organisation dedicated to improving the quality of education for children aged three to 12 living in poverty—including through the power of sport. “I’ve always believed that sport teaches you a lot more than just physical skills. From a young age, playing different sports helped me develop important qualities like consistency, resilience and the ability to keep learning,” he says.

The foundation focuses its efforts in Switzerland and Southern Africa—Federer’s mother is South African—with an emphasis on early childhood development and basic education. Rather than providing direct aid, the foundation works in long-term partnerships with carefully selected local organisations. “You can’t achieve lasting change alone; it takes collaboration and a long-term outlook,” says Federer. “That’s why the African proverb ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together’ means a lot to me.”

This approach ensures that communities are empowered to take ownership of the solutions, promoting sustainable and lasting change for children and their families. To date, the foundation’s initiatives have had a positive impact on more than 3 million
children, and its programmes are now a priority for local governments in the countries where it operates. “We want every child to have the best possible start, surrounded by supportive adults,” says Federer, who experienced this first-hand from his own parents, who supported him in his lofty and unconventional ambitions.

Read more: Bill Gates' philanthropy powerhouse looks East: What to know about the Gates Foundation

“For me, having a winning mentality is about staying open to new experiences and not getting too comfortable,” says Federer. “My work with the Roger Federer Foundation, especially visiting schools in Africa, has taught me a lot about resilience and the value of learning. Collaborating with designers on my tennis equipment also pushed me to ask questions and see things from a new perspective. Even after tennis, I keep trying new things—whether it’s business decisions or spending time with my kids. Staying curious and embracing challenges keeps me motivated and moving forward.”

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Credits

Creative Direction: Zoe Yau
Photography: Isaac Lam
Photographer's Assistant: Zed Leets, Linus Bart
Videography: James Mak
Production: Diago Mariotta Mendez, Vencis Lam
Watch: ROLEX