Love means nothing in tennis, the word used as another term for no score, but for many players, the emotion of love can mean a major distraction from their focus on the court. Don't count Roger Federer in that number.
The 29-year-old Swiss shotmaker has won a record 16 Grand Slam titles, three of them since marrying long-time sweetheart Mirka 17 months ago, and won his first Slam since becoming a father last July at this year's Australian Open.
"I have the same fire, the same drive," Federer said. "I thought it might have a little impact on my schedule - I might play less - have an impact on how I practiced, maybe early mornings so I could get back and stuff because I have to wake up early.
World number two Federer, who will face Germany's 104th-ranked Andreas Beck in the second round of the US Open, seeks a seventh consecutive US Open final berth after his five-year reign was ended last year by Juan Martin Del Potro.
Federer met Mirka, a former WTA player, at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. They married in April of last year, Federer joking that he wanted to avoid the drop from number one that Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe had following their nuptuals.
{{/usCountry}}Federer met Mirka, a former WTA player, at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. They married in April of last year, Federer joking that he wanted to avoid the drop from number one that Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe had following their nuptuals.
{{/usCountry}}"That’s why I waited 10 years," Federer said with a smile.
Federer completed a career Grand Slam with a French Open title just weeks after his wedding. He went on to win a record 15th Slam title at Wimbledon that next July and became father of twin girls Charlene and Myla weeks later. “It’s so well set up,” he said. “She takes great care. I’m there anyway most of the time.”