Swiss railway names locomotive in honour of Roger Federer – Tennis News
He entered the professional tennis circuit in 1998 but it was at the 2001 Wimbledon Championships, when Switzerland’s Roger Federer’s name surfaced in the world of tennis as a dominating force, for he possessed the style to be
the best. Two years later, Federer, then 22-years old, became the 2003 Wimbledon Champion. Now, with a record breaking sixteen Grand Slam wins, Federer has another honour under his name by the Swiss Federal Railways. The national locomotive institution has
named their locomotive after Roger Federer as ‘Federer Express.’
In the open era, Federer’s sixteen Grand Slam wins have proved his dominance and control in the sport, something that distinguishes him with all the other tennis players in the open era. He reached at the world number one spot
in 2004, proving his worth in all major tournaments. Currently standing at the number 4th spot in the world, Federer has been one fine competitor, and now his country’s locomotive would bear his name, signifying that the Swiss locomotives are fast
and swift just like their national hero.
Federer, who is the face of National Suisse as their brand ambassador, will now also have his picture and name on the locomotive, which indeed is a great act of acknowledgement. The external body of the train colourfully designed
with Federer’s face, will add value in the National Suisse itself.
"I have never named a locomotive before, let alone one bearing my own name," said Federer. The director of the Passenger Division at the Swiss Federal Railways, Jeannine Pilloud was pleased for this decision taken by the Swiss
locomotive operators. He said, "Our passengers are world champions in rail travel. Now they can look forward to meeting Roger Federer, the best tennis player of all time, on all inter-city routes."
The attempt to become a new face of locomotives in Switzerland will also boost Federer’s efforts for his charity which he founded by the name of Roger Federer Foundation. The Swiss Federal Railways has also decided that whenever
the locomotive completes one kilometre of travel, it will donate charity to his trust. Federer’s trust makes an effort in African nations and the locomotive charity will be for a good cause.
Federer, having an astounding 792-186 win-loss ratio, invited at the ceremony in his birth town of Basel looked excited. With a stage covered with red carpet and the locomotive standing behind them, Federer accompanied by officials
of the Swiss Federal Railways posed for the media and signed on the locomotive to make the event official. Presented with a replica of the locomotive as a token of appreciation, Federer becomes probably the first in the list of athletes and players to have
embraced a locomotive with his name. Automobiles including cars and buses are used to highlight sports stars but never locomotives, which is indeed a first for a tennis player.
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