How Kempton Park is home to a legendary tennis dynasty
Kempton Park is home by extension to tennis legend Roger Federer, whose South African roots trace back to his mother, Lynette Federer, née Durand, despite him representing Switzerland.
Image: Franck Fife/ AFP
There might be something in the water on the East Rand, and I’m not talking about E. coli, as this region can lay claim to a couple of sporting superstars. Well, sort of.
One of South Africa’s greatest ever golfers, Ernie Els, was born in Germiston and was a member of Benoni Country Club during his formative years as a junior. Though Els won four major golf championships, this story is not about him.
It may be a bit harsh, but this is about a much bigger legend of sport.
The fact that he’s not South African himself is nothing but a technicality that we, the people of Mzansi, are more than willing to forgive.
Roger Federer: Swiss Tennis Legend with South African Roots
I’m talking about 20-time tennis Grand Slam winner Roger Federer. Though born in Switzerland, Federer’s roots can be traced back to Kempton Park.
His mother, Lynette Federer, née Durand, hailed from Kempton Park.
Federer chose to represent Switzerland even though he has South African citizenship and is a regular visitor to the Rainbow Nation. That’s due in large part to his parents spending many of his childhood holidays back in South Africa.
Roger Federer’s Impact on Childhood Education in South Africa and Beyond
The Roger Federer Foundation also helps out significantly with childhood education in South Africa as well as Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
Back in 2020, Federer hosted an exhibition match in Cape Town with great rival Rafael Nadal to help raise money for his foundation.
Federer has also never hidden his pride for South Africa, declaring it his second home.
Therefore, it’s not too much to claim that at least 10 of his Grand Slam titles belong to South Africa. Right?