The cranes have disappeared, gardeners and craftsmen now dominate the landscape on the lakeshore in Rapperswil-Jona. A Swiss flag flies over Roger Federer’s almost finished property – and there is a touch of sensation over everything.
An entire country is looking to Kempraten
The “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” describes how the public clings to their tennis heroes – while Federer would prefer to have peace and quiet. But it is already clear: Switzerland can hardly wait until the former tennis maestro moves into his new home in Kempraten. As the NZZ notes, a country looks spellbound at a property that for many is more than just a luxury property.
Exploited in the media
For years, every construction progress has been followed, commented on and exploited in the media. Whether drone images, construction details or speculation about the tennis court and boathouse – the “Federer is building on Lake Zurich” reporting has long been a media genre of its own.
Experts and TV channels on the lake
Tabloids traveled with “experts,” local newspapers searched for every new twist, and even TV stations drove up by boat to portray Federer’s future neighborhood. When the NZZ exclusively reported that Federer had sold a replacement property in Herrliberg, it became clear once again: the public soaks up every detail, no matter how banal.
Pictures not wanted
The 20-time Grand Slam winner wants one thing above all: privacy. According to NZZ, his management no longer even responded to interview requests, and under pressure from Federer, a post with fresh pictures of his house disappeared from the internet again. But people’s longing remains – for Federer, who once enchanted an entire country as the sport’s shining man.
The dilemma
This is exactly where the dilemma lies: Switzerland is holding on to the myth even though the hero has long since left the country. Federer as a sporty dream manufacturer, as a ball children’s favorite, as a charming gentleman – this figure no longer exists. What remains is the entrepreneur, jet setter and villa owner. And for many, this Federer seems distant, cold, almost inaccessible. Rapperswil-Jona will not be a tennis idyll, but a well-protected luxury retreat.
“Our” Federer no longer exists
And yet: When Federer moves in soon, there will be a spark of the magic that made him a national identification figure. Even if Switzerland knows that it has to let “their” Federer go – it obviously cannot.
