The Tennis Crowd » Pro Tour

Interview with Roger Federer

Scott — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:14:40 +0000

Roger Federer, born in Basel, Switzerland, is the world’s current number two tennis player on the ATP tour currently competing as an underdog at the French Open. We sat down to discuss on-court and off-court activities, his rivalry with Nadal, music, travel, parenthood and more.

Roger Federer Interview Photo

TennisCrowd: Hello Mr. Federer, thank…
Roger Federer: Please, you know you can call me Roger.

TennisCrowd: Ok, Roger. Thanks for talking to TennisCrowd.com. You’re quite the celebrity and we’re not the most popular tennis blog out there.
Roger Federer: Always have time for you, Scott.

(We sit down)

TennisCrowd: Tough loss to Nadal last year at the French. But overall, how’ve you been playing these days? From the looks of it things are going well. What happened last year against Nadal?
Roger Federer: I think you have an American slang saying that explains it…against him, I have, um, brain gas? No…mind flatulence? No…

TennisCrowd: A brain fart?
Roger Federer: Yes! That’s it, right. Against Nadal I was brain farting.

TennisCrowd: I see…well, it looks to me like you’re getting closer to finally figuring him out on clay and playing very well overall. Congratulations on your recent win in Madrid.
Roger Federer: Yes, I feel the same. How about you though? How have you been playing?

TennisCrowd: Me? I’ve been playing fairly well too. I doubt I’d be able to take a set off you again but my backhand is really coming around. I switched to a two-hander last year.
Roger Federer: Good! Glad to hear that!

Roger and Mirka

TennisCrowd: The other big news is that you’re about to be a father, congratulations to you and Mirka!
Roger Federer: Thank you. It is going to be a new challenge for me.

TennisCrowd: So, tell me, what’s your unborn fetus’ ranking on the junior circuit?

(We both laugh)

Roger Federer: 1,789 right now. I’m sure it will improve. Not much of a serve at this point. Problems with the ball toss, balance, strength, etc.

TennisCrowd: That makes sense considering the age.
Roger Federer: True. How about you? Any kids there in Seattle? Seattle is a great American city.

TennisCrowd: No kids for me. Seattle is nice. Ever travel there? We should play sometime.
Roger Federer: Absolutely! Last time I was there I went to La Carta de Oaxaca in Ballard. Trendy Mexican food in Seattle’s hottest neighborhood. I heard the courts were recently re-surfaced at Lower Woodland near Greenlake. You play there I assume? Crazy bunch of players there!

(Laughs)

TennisCrowd: On another topic, what’s is on your iPod these days?
Roger Federer: I mainly kick it to 50 cent, The Game, and Fat Joe & Ja Rule.

(Roger starts rapping)

Roger Federer: “You got blown over the jack? – That ain’t gangsta – Your Man ran when you got clapped? – That ain’t gangsta – Rockin’ a vest with no gat? – That ain’t gangsta…”

(Roger smiles)

TennisCrowd: Ok…um, back to tennis, how do you feel about your French Open chances?
Roger Federer: Honestly? Not good. I would like to win in the dirt but I really struggle against certain players as we discussed.

(Roger stops smiling)

TennisCrowd: Aw, keep that head up there, tiger. Will you be entering the doubles draw at Wimbledon?
Roger Federer: Yes, I’d like to play doubles there. Would you like to enter as my partner? I could really use you…you’re rated 4.0 you say?

TennisCrowd: Oooh, thanks for asking. Normally I’d jump at the chance…but my USTA team has a league match that weekend. Sorry.
Roger Federer: I understand…maybe the US Open or sometime sooner?

(Roger appears visibly upset)

TennisCrowd: We all know about your on-court escapades, what about off the court? What else do you like to do?
Roger Federer: Off the court I still train, of course. But I also like to chill out and knock back a couple shots of Jack Daniels while playing Call of Duty 4 and Rock Band on my XBOX 360. Also, Mirka and I enjoy yodelling, collecting watches, and tending to the farm.

TennisCrowd: Who wouldn’t enjoy that? The JD and XBOX that is. I’m a huge Rock Band fan. What do you play?
Roger Federer: I usually sing even though I prefer hardcore rap. Mirka drums. She can do “Blackened” by Metallica on Expert. She’s incredible.

TennisCrowd: Wow! I can just do Hard. Anyway, back to tennis, what’s the best advice you have for improving your tennis game?
Roger Federer: That’s a good question, it’s different for everyone. I think at the recreational level players too often focus on their weaknesses. Practice your strengths too. Make them real weapons on the court; that will give you great confidence. The Swiss have a saying, “You learn through mistakes – no one was born a master.” It’s good advice.

TennisCrowd: Excellent advice. Well, you better get back to the practice courts. Thanks again for talking to TennisCrowd.com, Roger. It’s great you had the time to come out to do this.
Roger Federer: Anytime! TennisCrowd.com is great…the pros on tour get a BIG kick out of you. We’re always huddling around the Internet kiosks to read what you have to say next.

TennisCrowd: Nice to hear. Continued good luck at Rolland Garros!
Roger Federer: Thanks!

Disclaimer: By “interview” we mean “what we’re guessing he would say”. By no means should the answers here be mistaken for actual answers that Roger Federer would give in an actual interview setting. If this were an true interview, you’d probably know it. This Q&A was completely made up and does not reflect much of anything other than an attempt at humor. We would absolutely like to interview Mr. Federer in person sometime but he’s a busy man. Hopefully in the near future an actual interview will be granted.

Djokovic vs McEnroe at U.S. Open

Scott — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:05:45 +0000

Following Novak Djokovic’s win over Radek Stepanek at the U.S. Open, commentator Darren Cahill interviewed the silly Serbian. During the interview, Novak did another of his infamous impressions, this one of Johnny Mac. And McEnroe was game. He came down from the booth and joined him on the court. Hilarity ensued.

Federer vs. Verdasco Video Clip

Scott — Sun, 03 May 2009 07:49:40 +0000

Here is another video from my trip to the BNP Paribas Open a while back. I was able to go to the night match when Roger Federer played Fernando Verdasco. Federer won the match quite convincingly but Verdasco had his moments. You never know when he’ll come up with a great shot. I would like a backhand return like this…especially against a Federer serve.

Ana Ivanovic Warming Up

Scott — Sun, 03 May 2009 07:22:52 +0000

One of the best things about the tournament at Indian Wells (previously the Pacific Life Open, now called the BNP Paribas Open) is watching the pro players on the warm-up courts. Getting close to the players you can really see just how cleanly and powerfully the pros hit the ball. They make it look so very easy. Here is Ana Ivanovic warming up. The pros have a very thorough warm-up prior to their matches. They drill for several minutes on each shot it seems.

Maria Kirilenko Serving Warm Up

Scott — Sun, 03 May 2009 07:08:23 +0000

One of the best things about the tournament at Indian Wells (previously the Pacific Life Open, now called the BNP Paribas Open) is watching the pro players on the warm-up courts. Getting close to the players you can really see just how cleanly and powerfully the pros hit the ball. They make it look so very easy. Here is Maria Kirilenko of Moscow, Russia warming up her serve.

Roger Federer is Stayin’ Alive

Scott — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:39:17 +0000

So this is just a silly commercial, but it does have Roger Federer in it. And he does have the best shoes. By far. This video also features Tiger Woods and Derek Jeter…who are most impressed by RFed.

BNP Paribas 2009 Photos

Scott — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 02:25:44 +0000

Photos of my trip to the 2009 BNP Paribas Open. I watched matches featuring Federer, Murray, Kirilenko, Verdasco, and more. Click on the images for a larger version. Next time I go I plan to see more night matches and go earlier in the week. It’s quite cool to be able to see just how hard the pros smack that ball. It’s especially evident on the side courts.

The main stadium at Indian Wells

The Main Stadium

Verdasco playing in Stadium 2

Scott and Lawrence

Roger Federer close-up at Indian Wells

Roger Federer warming up

Richard Gasquet warming up

Night match: Federer/Verdasco

Murray vs. Ljubicic

Maria Kirilenko warming up her serve

Maria Kirilenko warming up

Gael Monfils warming up

Flavia Panetta...the one who threw her towel (used) at me after a match

Federer vs. Verdasco

Backhand down-the-line

Andy Roddick warming up

Andy Murray in his match with Robredo

Ana Ivanovic warming up

Novak Djokovic’s Amazing Shot Chase Down

Scott — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:22:01 +0000

Wow. I really didn’t think Novak would have time to chase down this shot. He is an incredible player to be able to accomplish feats like this while playing tennis. I’m not sure what tournament this was from but watch this clip. What a talented player.

Andy Roddick Playing with a Frying Pan

Scott — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 02:05:51 +0000

Todd Gallager of ESPN posed the question “how much better are professional athletes than weekend warriors?” What he found was that well, Andy Roddick could beat you using a frying pan. And there’s video proof.

Full Story at ESPN
Andy Roddick could beat an average player with a frying pan

The Roger Federer Backhand

Scott — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 17:51:39 +0000

Roger Federer has arguably the best one-handed backhand in tennis. In a sea of two-handers, he still stands out. Mastering the one-handed backhand is no easy task. Watch here how early he sets up, how he grips the racquet, and where the point-of-contact is.

Slow Motion Video

Roger Federer can pretty much hit any shot (and a few shots that don’t exist) while he makes it look incredibly easy. The key to Federer’s talent, and the main reason his strokes look so effortless, is his amazing balance. If he’s hitting his big forehand or his backhand, he keeps his head and upper body stable throughout the shot.