Roger Federer given personalised honour after winning Australian Open
ROGER FEDERER was the subject of a special campaign in Switzerland earlier this week when he was honoured with a personalised edition of one of the country’s biggest newspapers.
On Sunday, Federer beat Marin Cilic in five sets to retain the Australian Open, the sixth time he has lifted the trophy in Melbourne.
The victory also marked the Swiss legend’s 20th Grand Slam triumph, taking him four clear of his closest competitor in the all-time list: Rafael Nadal.
And Swiss newspaper Blick, the country’s only tabloid, have signified the occasion by charging just 20 cents - compared to a usual price of 2.50 Swiss francs - along with Federer’s face mocked up on a coin.
“Roger Federer has long been an icon,” said Felix Bingesser, Blick’s sports editor-in-chief.
“And even at 36 years old he remains a fascinating and exciting figure.
“This 20th Grand Slam win is another example of this.
“With our '20 Rappen' [the price of the edition] campaign, we want to celebrate this historic success along with the people of Switzerland, since this is something we won’t experience ever again.”
Federer did not make it back to Switzerland in time to pick up a copy on Monday, having admitted that he didn’t even arrive at his own champions’ party until 3am on Sunday night after completing all his media obligations.
But the 36-year-old has no intention of stopping the party when he gets back to his home country and may even cancel a scheduled tournament in Dubai at the end of February to give himself an extended break.
“It's possible I'll play in Dubai but it's also possible that maybe I just don't play anything,” Federer added.
“It depends on how the next week or so goes. Then I'll make a decision.”
He also said: “I think we were all a little bit tired, but the celebration continues once I get back to Switzerland.
“I’ve got more friends and family there.
“I’m excited that I've got nothing going on in the next couple of weeks.
“It's all quiet so I can just really take time to celebrate No 20.
“It's super special."