Tennis ace Federer ties the knot

Stag nights in the UK are rarely a quiet affair, but Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer succeeded in shirking the limelight in the run-up to his wedding, it would seem.

The former Wimbledon champion tied the knot with long-term girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec at a low-key ceremony in his hometown of Basel.

Federer broke the news on his official website, although whether the 27-year-old celebrated his final night of freedom with a stag do before the wedding remains unclear.

Commenting on the wedding, Federer said: "It was a beautiful spring day and an incredibly joyous occasion."

The world number two, who last month revealed that he is expecting his first child with Ms Vavrinec, added that the couple had exchanged vows in front of a small group of close friends and family.

While Federer was seemingly keen to keep his wedding celebrations low-key, England and Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand's impending nuptials are guaranteed to be anything but.

The defender plans to wed fiance Rebecca Ellison in the summer, with a celebrity guest list that includes household names including fellow football star David Beckham and US rapper 50 Cent.