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Federer's wife gives birth to twins for second time

Malcolm Curtis
Malcolm Curtis - [email protected]
Federer's wife gives birth to twins for second time
Federer: father to second pair of twins. Photo: Greg Wood/AFP

Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer is skipping the Madrid Masters tournament to be at the side of his wife, who on Tuesday night delivered twin boys, the star said on his Facebook page.

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"Mirka and I are so incredibly happy to share that Leo and Lenny were born this evening!" Federer announced shortly before 10pm, referring to the newborns who have already been named.

"Twins again . . miracle!"

The news emerged after Federer used the social media site to let his fans know he would be skipping the Madrid Masters tournament this week.

“I’ve decided to withdraw from Madrid to be with my wife Mirka during these next few exciting weeks for our family,” Federer said in English.

“I apologize to my fans and hope to be back in Madrid next year,” said the Basel native, who is currently ranked the world’s fourth best men’s tennis player.

Federer, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, previously won the tournament in the Spanish capital in 2006, 2009 and 2012.

Earlier reports indicated that the Federers, already parents to identical twin girls — Charlene Riva and Myla Rose — born in July 2009, were expecting another pair of twins.

If that was true, “I wouldn’t tell you guys,” Federer told reporters in Indian Wells, California in March.

“It’s a secret.”

The fact the 32-year-old mentioned spending the “the next few . . . weeks” with his family indicates that he will likely be skipping the Rome Masters, which starts next week.

That has raised questions about whether he may miss the French Open, as well.

In Monte Carlo, Federer indicated he was prepared to miss any tournament to ensure he was at the birth.

Federer added on his Facebook page that, “I’ll be training near my home, and am excited to rejoin the Tour soon!”

The star has several homes, including one in Wollerau in the canton of Schwyz and another in Dubai, so it’s not clear where he will be training.

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