Meet Sunita Sigtia: India’s Ultimate Federer Fan

 

For Kolkata-based Sunita Sigtia, Roger Federer isn’t just a tennis legend—he’s an inspiration, a passion, and almost a way of life. A devoted fan for over two decades, she has gone to extraordinary lengths to support her idol, making her claim as his most dedicated follower hard to challenge.

 

A Life Centered Around Federer

 

Sunita, in her 40s, has built her travel plans, finances, and even personal milestones around Federer’s career. She takes no vacations unless they involve watching him play—whether in Dubai, Switzerland, or the iconic Wimbledon. Instead of traditional gifts, she asks for cash to fund her annual tennis pilgrimages.

 

Her dedication is so unwavering that she once left her nephew’s wedding early just to catch a flight to watch Federer compete in Delhi. She has even turned to spiritual solutions, once consulting a guru who advised her to get Federer to wear something made of emerald. Unable to directly fulfill this, she gifted him an emerald Ganesha idol in early 2012. That same year, Federer won Wimbledon. Coincidence or not, Sunita chooses to believe.

 

A Global Superfan Community

 

Sunita isn’t alone in her obsession. She is the only Indian member of “United by Roger,” an exclusive group of Federer superfans who meet annually at Wimbledon, queuing for hours, sometimes even overnight, to get the best seats. This tradition has been part of her life for over a decade.

 

Her first visit to Wimbledon in 2008 was a solo adventure after her sister, overwhelmed by the overnight camping experience, opted out. But Sunita was hooked. Every year since, she has braved unpredictable British weather and long ticket queues to watch Federer’s magic unfold on grass.

 

More Than Just a Fan

 

Sunita’s admiration for Federer isn’t just about watching him play; she has permanently inked her devotion with tattoos of his initials and signature. She has also turned her passion into purpose by launching SiiRF (Some Immensely Inspired Roger Fans), a non-profit aimed at supporting underprivileged athletes.

 

As Federer’s career neared its twilight, Sunita remained unfazed. “He is human,” she says, accepting the inevitable. But her admiration for him is eternal.