Roger Federer and wife Mirka Federer welcome 'miracle' second set of twins

Tennis champion Roger Federer and wife Mirka describe birth of twins Leo and Lenny.

(Files Photo) Swiss tennis player Roger Federer gives a press conference on February 11, 2013 during the opening of the Rotterdam World Tennis in Rotterdam, which ends on February 17. (AFP)

Roger Federer has defied the odds to become a father to twins for the second time in less than five years.

The Swiss tennis ace disclosed the news on his Twitter account just hours after he announced he was pulling out of the Madrid Masters to be at the birth: "Mirka and I are so incredibly happy to share that Leo and Lenny were born this evening! #TwinsAgain#Miracle."

The two boys were born almost five years after the arrival of their twin sisters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva in July 2009.

Their birth led to a flurry of good-natured jokes about future doubles champions, with bookmakers even offering odds of 100-1 of the sisters emulating their famous father by teaming up to win at Wimbledon but those odds paled into comparison with the chances of another set of twins.

(Files Photo) Mirka Federer, wife of Switzerland's Roger Federer, watches Federer play against Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro serving during their group B singles match in the round robin stage on the sixth day of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament in London on November 10, 2012. (AFP)

Mirka Federer, wife of Switzerland's Roger Federer, watches Federer play against Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro serving during their group B singles match in the round robin stage on the sixth day of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament in London on November 10, 2012.      AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK

While there is no conclusive agreement on the exact odds, the Internet provided a wide variety on the chances of parents having two sets of twins, ranging from 3,000-1 to 700,000-1.

Congratulations for the latest twins flooded in as soon as Federer, who has a record 17 grand slam victories, posted his tweet.

Former world number one Boris Becker tweeted: "Congrats to Mirka and @rogerfederer on the new addition to the #family ! #Leo and #Lenny will partner perfectly their older sisters in mixed".

Former American tennis professional Justin Gimelstob added: "congrats to @rogerfederer #Mirka on the birth of #LEO and #Lenny the @Bryanbros @Bryanbrothers records could be in jeopardy!

Bob Bryan, who has won 15 grand slam doubles titles with his twin brother Mike, responded: "Leo & Lenny! #the future #twinsrule."

Tennis coach Darren Cahill posted: "Fed works in multiples! Congrats to the Federer family. Very cool. 2 sets of twins."

Federer is not the first famous sportsman to have twins – Michael Jordan and Pele did as well – but two sets is a rarity.

Federer's older sister Diana also has twins and there had been some speculation earlier that his wife Mirka, a former pro tennis player herself, was expecting twins again but the couple managed to keep it a well-guarded secret.

Even on Tuesday, Federer was keeping his cards close to his chest, posting a simple note on his Facebook page that offered no clues about the arrival of the twins.

"I've decided to withdraw from Madrid to be with my wife Mirka during these next few exciting weeks for our family," he wrote.

"I apologise to my fans and hope to be back in Madrid next year.

"I'll be training near my home, and am excited to rejoin the Tour soon." (telegraph.co.uk)