In an exclusive video leaked on social networks, Roger Federer surprised the world by speaking with a trembling voice about the drama he experienced with his son Leo. For the first time, the legendary Swiss tennis player revealed his family’s heartbreaking struggle with type 1 diabetes.
The clip, released last night, shows Federer with red eyes as he confesses that he “almost lost his son.” In a matter of hours, millions of fans flooded the networks with messages of support, showing that even sports legends face silent battles off the field.
Federer said that Leo’s first years of life were “hell.” The disease appeared when the child was barely three years old. “Every night I stayed awake measuring his sugar and giving him insulin,” the tennis player confessed, describing a cycle of constant fear and sleepless nights.
The pressure deeply affected his marriage to Mirka Vavrinec. “We argued so much that we almost got divorced,” Federer admitted. The couple, a symbol of stability in the sport, faced unbearable tensions as they tried to balance family life with the Swiss champion’s demanding professional career.
Federer, accustomed to perfection and control on the court, showed himself to be a vulnerable man. “I am the King of the Court, but in the face of type 1 diabetes, I am just a helpless father,” he declared. His words resonated as a cry for humanity behind the global icon.
According to close sources, Leo continues under intensive treatment. The family has invested in advanced medical technology to manage the disease, including insulin pumps and continuous glucose sensors. Federer is actively involved in every step, learning about nutrition and metabolic control to protect his son.
Federer’s testimony could mark a before and after in his public life. Since the video leak, international diabetes associations have invited him to become a global spokesperson. His team has not yet confirmed whether he will accept the role, but his impact is already being felt by thousands of affected families.
The former world number one explained that he remained silent for years to protect Leo’s privacy. “I didn’t want the world to see my son as sick,” he said. However, she now believes that sharing her story can help other parents living with the same fear.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were the first to express their public support. Nadal wrote on social networks: “Beyond the rivalry, we are parents. I hug you, Roger.” The displays of empathy from colleagues and fans showed that the disease does not understand titles or trophies.
Federer concluded the video looking at the camera: “Sometimes true champions don’t win tournaments, but survive endless nights with their children.” His confession, raw and sincere, transformed the image of the eternal champion into that of a father who fights, loves and does not give up.
