VALBELLA, Switzerland – For years, Roger Federer enjoyed a relatively secluded life in his Swiss Alps retreat in Valbella. But even for a global icon, complete privacy proves elusive. His neighbor, Olympic giant slalom champion Heini Hemmi, offers a glimpse into the reality of living alongside one of the world’s most recognizable athletes, revealing a surprisingly normal, yet somewhat distant, neighborly relationship.
Hemmi, who won gold at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, has lived next to Federer since 2011, when the tennis star began building his vacation home. The property, consisting of two luxury chalets – Bellavista A and Bellavista B – and encompassing 8,620 square meters, quickly drew attention. “Busloads of tourists came to see it,” Hemmi recounted in a recent appearance on the Swiss “Blue” channel talk show, “Legends for Eternity.”
Despite the initial influx of curious onlookers, Hemmi describes Federer as a “super nice guy. Completely normal.” The relationship, however, hasn’t blossomed into frequent social interactions. “When he drove by, he sometimes stopped to chat a little,” Hemmi said, but direct engagement has been limited. “Not even for me, everything is closed,” he added, referring to the difficulty in initiating more personal contact.
Interestingly, a small business connection did exist between the two. Hemmi revealed, “I even sold fish to Roger before.” Hemmi’s family runs “Hemmi Wildlachs” in Valbella, continuing a tradition that began after the skier sought a quieter life following the intense attention that came with his Olympic victory.
The connection extends to Federer’s children, who attended ski school run by Hemmi’s brother. “Roger sent his children here, like everyone else,” Hemmi explained. “But I’m not a ski instructor, I had my own business.” This suggests a willingness on Federer’s part to integrate his family into the local community, albeit through established channels.
Hemmi’s account paints a picture of a respectful distance maintained between the two neighbors. While Federer’s presence initially brought a surge of public interest to Valbella, Hemmi emphasizes that the situation has since normalized. The initial frenzy of tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the tennis star has subsided, allowing for a return to relative tranquility.
Federer’s recent appearances at high-profile events, such as the Super Bowl, demonstrate his continued presence on the global stage even in retirement. However, his Swiss home remains a significant part of his life, a place where he can enjoy a degree of privacy despite his fame.
The dynamic between Hemmi and Federer highlights the challenges of maintaining a normal life when living next to a global superstar. While a friendly relationship exists, it’s one characterized by mutual respect and a comfortable distance. Hemmi’s perspective offers a rare insight into the life of a sporting legend from the viewpoint of someone who simply shares a property line.
The story also subtly underscores Federer’s commitment to providing a relatively normal upbringing for his children, utilizing local services like Hemmi’s brother’s ski school. This detail, while seemingly minor, speaks to a desire for grounded family life despite the extraordinary circumstances of his career and fame.
While a casual neighborly visit may not be on the cards, Hemmi’s recollections offer a charming glimpse into the life of Roger Federer, the man, as opposed to the tennis icon. It’s a story of coexistence, respect, and the quiet realities of living next to a legend.
