Swiss Tennis fans can be forgiven for dreaming of Olympic gold at next year’s sporting extravaganza in Rio, with the recent news from Roger Federer’s camp. The seven-time Wimbledon champion has confirmed that he intends to compete in the mixed doubles event with none other than the evergreen Martina Hingis.
‘Dream’ pairing
Their ‘dream’ partnership looks impressive from an honours viewpoint: Federer can reflect on an eye-catching 17 Grand Slam singles titles to his name; Hingis boasts ‘just’ the 5 Grand Slams in singles competition but has the better doubles credentials, with an impressive 15 ‘Majors’ titles when in a pairing.
Both stars are in the twilight of their respective tennis careers - Federer is currently a year younger than Hingis at 34 – and may see Rio as their last opportunity for Olympic glory. They have also both reached the pinnacle in their sport, as world number one in the respective singles rankings during their distinguished careers.
Previous Olympic doubles success
‘Fed’ can at least look back fondly upon men’s doubles success from Beijing in 2008. He is being tipped to potentially recreate the winning partnership again with Stan Wawrinka in Rio, although several observers wonder if the heat factor in South America may impact his chances.
It would be a hectic schedule indeed for him to take on the challenge of singles and both doubles events.
With as many as 15 matches to play over just eight days, it may be too much for even a player of his undoubted calibre to contemplate.
Hopman Cup success together
The Federer-Hingis duo will have happy memories of teaming up previously, although the memory banks will need some refreshing on their Hopman Cup victory for Switzerland back in 2001.
Federer plays competitive doubles sparingly these days, whereas Hingis is ranked number two in the women’s doubles behind her usual Grand Slam partner, India’s Sania Mirza.
Her form in the mixed doubles has been almost perfect in 2015, winning three of the four Slams on offer with her partner Leander Paes. Only the French Open eluded the Swiss-Indian team, with success coming at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open events.
Federer looking forward to Rio
Federer certainly seems to be looking forward to renewing his on-court partnership with the reigning Wimbledon and US Open women’s doubles champion. The all-time great tweeted to Ms. Hingis on social media that he was “really excited to be playing mixed doubles with you 15yrs later.”
Andy Murray expected to feature at Olympics
Britain’s Andy Murray is the reigning Olympic singles title holder, after the world number two crushed Federer at London 2012 in the final. He also partnered up with Laura Robson in the mixed doubles on home turf, but came up agonisingly short in the final.
He has previously stated his intentions to compete in Rio, although his season and preparations are likely to be impacted next year by the expected birth of his first child. His confidence will be high though after recent Davis Cup success for Team GB over Belgium.
