For over two decades, Roger Federer has been more than just a tennis champion—he has been an icon, a mentor, and an inspiration for countless young players dreaming of Wimbledon glory. This year, his influence has once again rippled through the hallowed lawns of the All England Club, helping a rising star shatter a record that stood untouched for 14 years.
At the heart of this story is 20-year-old Swiss prodigy Kilian Feldbausch, a name that might still be unfamiliar to many casual fans but is well-known in tennis circles as one of Federer’s informal protégés. Feldbausch made headlines this week when he became the youngest Swiss male player to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon since Federer himself did it back in 2001—a feat that ties him to his idol in more ways than one.
So how exactly did Federer play a part in this remarkable run? The answer lies in quiet moments behind the scenes, where the Swiss Maestro’s advice and encouragement helped shape Feldbausch’s approach to the game—both mentally and technically.
Feldbausch, who hails from Geneva, grew up idolizing Federer, often imitating his elegant style and graceful movement on the court. In 2022, when Federer began spending more time mentoring Swiss juniors, Feldbausch got the chance of a lifetime. The pair trained together several times at Federer’s practice base in Switzerland, where the 20-time Grand Slam champion offered guidance on everything from footwork to shot selection.
“Roger always told me to trust my game and stay calm under pressure,” Feldbausch said after his record-breaking win on Court 12, where he defeated the seasoned Italian Lorenzo Sonego in four tight sets. “He reminded me that Wimbledon is about embracing the big moments instead of fearing them. I thought about that a lot today.”
It’s advice that clearly stuck. Feldbausch’s run at SW19 has been defined by composure beyond his years. In the first round, he stunned 28th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry with fearless baseline hitting and deft touch at the net—reminiscent of Federer’s trademark all-court prowess. His second and third-round matches were gritty affairs, testing his stamina and mental strength, but he emerged victorious each time, winning over crowds with his sportsmanship and fluid style.
Swiss tennis insiders say Federer’s influence goes deeper than just pep talks. Feldbausch has modeled much of his training regimen after Federer’s disciplined yet adaptable routines—emphasizing longevity, injury prevention, and intelligent scheduling. He also leans on Federer’s former fitness coach, Pierre Paganini, whose expertise has helped many Swiss players stay sharp on the physically demanding tour.
Of course, Federer is careful not to overshadow the young talent. In a short message posted on his social media, the 42-year-old congratulated Feldbausch, writing: “Proud of you, Kilian. Keep enjoying the ride and making your own history.”
Federer knows better than anyone that Wimbledon loves a fairytale, and for Swiss fans, Feldbausch’s surge brings back fond memories of 2001—when a young Federer stunned Pete Sampras on Centre Court, announcing his arrival as the sport’s next superstar. Back then, Federer broke Swiss tennis records of his own, eventually lifting eight Wimbledon titles, a men’s singles record that still stands today.
It’s far too early to predict whether Feldbausch will follow the same path, but his breakout run has rekindled hope that Swiss tennis remains in good hands. His youthful energy, combined with Federer’s steadying influence, has given him a unique blend of confidence and humility—a balance that could serve him well as he navigates the pressures of top-level tennis.
In the locker rooms at Wimbledon, players and coaches alike have noticed how Feldbausch carries himself—with a calm aura that feels strangely familiar. “He plays with Roger’s spirit but with his own twist,” said his coach, Severin Lüthi, who also worked closely with Federer for years. “Kilian knows he’s not Roger, and that’s important. He wants to create his own story.”
For now, that story continues on the pristine grass courts of the All England Club. With his fourth-round appearance, Feldbausch has already written a new chapter in Swiss tennis history, breaking Federer’s 14-year record for the youngest Swiss man to make it this far. If he keeps his nerve—and keeps hearing his idol’s voice in his head—who knows how many more records might fall?
One thing is certain: Federer’s legacy isn’t just preserved in trophies or highlight reels. It lives on in the next generation—players like Kilian Feldbausch, who prove that the Maestro’s greatest gift to tennis may be the champions he quietly inspires long after
he’s put down his racket.
