The story of Roger Federer’s ‘superfan’ from India

The story of Roger Federer’s ‘superfan’ from India
Roger Federer

Swiss star Roger Federer is probably the most loved player around the globe. He has fans all around the world and is hugely respected and admired. One such superfan comes from the streets of Kolkata, India.

Sunita Sigtia owns a textile shop in Kolkata, and when customers walk into her shop, hear yelling and screaming coming from the back room, they know there must be a Roger Federer match going on.

All her clients and regular customers know not to disturb her when she’s busy worshipping and cheering Federer from afar in her office during his matches.

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For Sunita, Federer matches are sacred and her relationship with Roger is a passionate one. She sometimes calls out “come on my jaanu”! which is akin to “come on my dear [or my darling]” in Hindi.

There is something so special and charming about him: Sunita Sigtia

Roger Federer with his superfan

“I cannot calculate it all,” she says. “But it’s always worth it.” Her sisters once questioned how much money she spent following Federer to Dubai, London, Basel and other tournaments. “Roger is my passion, he’s my idol,” she told them. “I’m going to spend all my money on him.”

“There is something so special and charming about him,” she says. “His game is there of course, the grace with which he plays. When you meet him, there is something that pulls you to him. You just get attracted to him, the way he treats us, he makes you feel like you are a part of his extended family.”

Ms. Sigtia saw Federer for the first time at Wimbledon in 2008, she’s gone back nearly every year since. “I literally couldn’t stop shaking the first time I saw him on Centre Court,” she recalls.

Her favourite Federer moment occurred in Basel in 2012 at the Roger Federer Fan Club day, when Roger stunned her by remembering her name after she presented him with a Swiss cowbell she made with messages of support dangling from it.

“I almost collapsed when he called me by my name,” she recalls. “I don’t remember what I said to him. I was speechless. He remembered my name!”

At the end, she spoke about her jaanu: “He has given us everything he has. It’s not just about numbers, there is so much more to Roger than the number 20 [majors]. I don’t want to cry when he retires, I want to celebrate him.”

Also read: ‘Roger Federer is an incredible ambassador for the sport’ : James Blake