Player Features
Federer’s Unexpected Fairway Partner: Muller Recounts Golf Reunion
ATP Tour
Alexandre Muller is 11-7 for the 2025 season.
By Andy West
Alexandre Muller enjoyed an unexpected reunion with Roger Federer on the golf course last November in Dubai, months after the tennis icon’s retirement. Muller, preparing to face Alexander Zverev at the BMW Open in Munich, shared the details of their chance encounter.
From Practice Courts to fairways: A Chance Reunion
Muller, who had previously practiced with Federer on the ATP Tour, found himself playing behind the Swiss maestro during a round of golf. Their shared tee times led to a casual conversation and a lighthearted moment between the two.
Federer’s Golf Game Impresses
According to Muller, the conversation focused primarily on golf, with Muller praising federer’s skills on the course. He even joked that Federer was diligently practicing to challenge Rafael Nadal, another retired tennis legend, on the green. “He is playing great,” said Muller. “He is practicing a lot, I think he wants to beat rafa!”
Muller to Face Zverev in Munich
Turning back to tennis, Muller is set to compete at the BMW Open where he will face home favorite Alexander Zverev in the first round. Muller is currently 11-7 for the 2025 season.
Muller Aims to Upset Home Crowd at Munich ATP 500
Fresh off his maiden ATP Tour title in Hong Kong earlier this year and a strong start to the clay season, 28-year-old Muller is set to compete at the Munich ATP 500 event. Ranked No. 40, just one spot shy of his career high, Muller is looking to build on his momentum and potentially spoil the party for local favorites.
Triumph over home Favorite sets the Stage
Muller is no stranger to playing the spoiler. In February, he defeated rising #nextgenatp star Joao fonseca in Rio de Janeiro, silencing a supportive home crowd. Muller’s success in Brazil, where he reached his first ATP 500 final, has fueled his confidence as he heads into the European clay season.
Confidence and Consistency drive Muller’s Success
“I’ve just been playing great sence the beginning of the year,” Muller stated, attributing his recent success to consistency and a strong start to the season in Hong Kong. He emphasizes that while increased media attention exists,his approach to the game remains unchanged.
Clay Courts: Muller’s Preferred Battleground
With a 5-3 record on clay in 2025, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss index, Muller considers clay his best surface. he aims to leverage his strong forehand with heavy spin to excel on the surface and build upon his maiden main-draw win at Roland Garros in 2024.”I played a lot on it since I was very young and with my forehand, which has a lot of spin, it is better on clay,” Muller said.
What implications might MullerS strong forehand and clay-court preference have for his match against Alexander Zverev in Munich?
Federer’s Unexpected Fairway Partner:  Muller Recounts Golf Reunion  and Munich ATP 500 Preview
Q&A: Unpacking the Article
Alexandre Muller is a French tennis player currently ranked No. 40 in the world. He’s had a strong start to the 2025 season, boasting an 11-7 record, including winning his first ATP Tour title in Hong Kong.
Muller met Roger Federer on a golf course in Dubai, months after Federer’s retirement. They happened to be playing behind Federer, leading to a casual conversation. Muller was impressed with Federer’s golf skills.
muller praised federer’s golfing abilities, even joking that Federer was practicing to challenge Rafael Nadal, another tennis legend, on the green. He said, “He is playing great, I think he wants to beat Rafa!“
Muller is set to compete at the BMW Open in Munich, an ATP 500 event. He will face Alexander Zverev in the first round.
Muller’s success is attributed to his consistency and his strong forehand with heavy spin, which is notably effective on clay. He considers clay his best surface.
Muller has a 5-3 record on clay in 2025, showing promise for the upcoming clay court season.
Yes, Muller is no stranger to playing the spoiler. He defeated rising #nextgenatp star Joao Fonseca in Rio de Janeiro, silencing a supportive home crowd.
As Alexandre Muller gears up for the Munich ATP 500, keep an eye on his clay-court performance and his potential to upset the home favorites.
