Federer to become a father

California - Roger Federer and longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec are expecting their first baby this summer, the Swiss tennis star announced on his website on Thursday.

"I arrived in Indian Wells earlier this week and I am eager to get back out on court," Federer wrote on www.rogerfederer.com. "My back is feeling much better and I am ready to go.

"I also have some really awesome news to share with all of you: Mirka and I are excited to let you know that we will be parents this summer! Mirka is pregnant and we are so happy to be starting a family together.

"This is a dream come true for us," the 27-year-old added. "We love children and we are looking forward to being parents for the first time. Mirka is feeling great and everything is going well."

Federer, the former world number one, met the press in Indian Wells on Wednesday as he prepared for the first Masters series event of the season, but didn't make a mention of the happy news.

Instead the 13-time Grand Slam champion focused on his recovery from a lingering back ailment, which has seen him out of action since he lost the Australian Open final to Rafael Nadal, and on his eagerness to renew his rivalry with his Spanish foe.