The power couple of tennis, Roger Federer and Mirka Vavrinec first met at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, when Federer was just 18 years old and is yet to make his mark in the world of tennis. With more than two decades of being together, Mirka and Federer’s love story is the one that every Federer fan will remember fondly.

Ludwig Kung, who was the coach of Switzerland wrestling team at the Sydney Olympics, explained how the Swiss star needed a bit of help to initiate a conversation with Mirka.

Read more: Roger Federer Recalls his First Kiss with Mirka Federer 20 Years Ago

The Swiss wrestlers and tennis players shared a common house at the Olympic village. That was when coach Kung noticed that Federer’s interest towards the love of his life.

“We knew Roger was into Mirka and then helped him a little,” said Kung.

(Quotes have been translated with Google Translate)

Roger Federer was initially reluctant and shy to talk to Mirka

When Federer was too shy to take the initiative, it was Kung who motivated the then 18-year-old. The Swiss coach locked both Federer and Mirka at the back exit of the door and told them to get to know each other.

The Swiss star was still reluctant to open up, but Kung was adamant and didn’t give in. The couple spent time outside talking to each other and then returned laughing. “From then on, they were a couple,” Kung mentioned.

Mirka has been with Federer through thick and thin, as the twenty-time grand slam champion always credited his wife for the longevity of his career. The Swiss star proved to be a great husband and a joyous father to his four children. His decision to continue playing the sport is reliant on how far he is willing to sacrifice quality time with his family.

On the career front, Federer is looking to test his form and fitness once again at Geneva Open next month. He decided to skip the Madrid Masters and will play at Roland Garros directly after Geneva.

Read more: “She Invested Everything”- Roger Federer Reflects on Mirka’s Sacrifices