Tennis superstar Roger Federer – AKA the Fed Express – has edged out some tough competition to be named the athlete most admired by Australians.

The annual gemba Asset Study surveyed people from across the country as to which qualities appeal to them in sports stars, and which athletes stand out as embodying those attributes.

The Swiss Maestro edged out some big names to take the top spot, including cricket superstars Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist as well as fellow tennis player and on-court rival Rafael Nadal.

More than 40 per cent of respondents said that Federer was their favourite athlete or that they really liked him, giving him a total asset power score of 4,074.

Some of the attributes which made him stand out included his dedication, fairness, and his status as a great role model – all aspects that we look to embody here at Strathfield Sports Club Sydney!

All that is despite the fact the Federer had a relatively average year on the court by his standards in 2011, having made it to the final of only one Grand Slam tennis tournament.

That's compared to his remarkable run of form during the years between 2004 and 2007, where he took home 11 Grand Slam titles and made it to the final of two others – proof that it's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.

Meanwhile former AFL player Brendan Fevola received the dubious honour of being named the most disliked athlete in Australia, while constant media presence Shane Warne also proved to be unpopular.

Is Roger Federer your favourite athlete? Or is there someone else who takes the top spot on your list? Why not come down to Strathfield Sports Club – the friendliest tennis club in Sydney – and let us know.

While you are here, you can try out our terrific Red Pepper Bistro – we guarantee you won't regret it!