Saturday, 25 May 2013

Roger Federer continues Web takeover by fielding questions on Reddit

                          Roger Federer takes questions from fans during a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" session. (Reddit)

World No. 3 Roger Federer made his twitter debut 2 days ago and has already participated in his first AMA (“Ask Me Anything”) Q&A session on the social news site Reddit Friday evening in Paris under the moniker ‘iamrogerfederer’. 




Here are some of the questions thrown at the Swiss superstar, who offered a mix of intelligent, helpful and witty answers.

realstrikemasteriece: What do you think is the biggest plus about Switzerland, besides the flag?

iamrogerfederer: It's one of the most beautiful countries I've ever seen. So worthwhile to visit. And the people are very accepting and genuine. I also like the fact that there are so many different languages. In such a small country, we have an incredible amount of diversity and influences from abroad. Also, great chocolate. Mountains. Cheese. Rivers. Lakes. Pretty much everything. Just move there.
Self_Esteem_Booster: What was your toughest match ever?
iamrogerfederer: • Hewitt in Davis Cup 03.
                           • Del Potro in Olympics 2012.
                           • Roddick Wimbledon 09.
                           • Nalbandian 05 World Tour Finals, final.
                           • Rafa Wimbledon 2008. One of the great matches I've been apart of.
Pantoner: What are some of your pre-match rituals?
iamrogerfederer: Arrive on time at the courts. Pretty crucial so I don't miss my match. Warmup and hit for 30min. Go for lunch or dinner. A light meal (pasta, for instance), Get my ankles taped, Stretch.
Warm up and match time.

LogelFedelel: What are your thoughts on restructuring the tennis season to allow for a slightly longer grass court season and possibly having a Masters 1000 event before Wimbledon?

iamrogerfederer: Thanks LogelFedelel. The Tour is adding a week of grass before Wimbledon starting in 2015. Who knows, maybe one day we'll have a Masters 1000. I clearly would love more tournaments on grass :) Let's not forget 3 of the 4 grand slams used to be on grass.

dielon1217: Hi Roger How do you do that between the legs shot without hitting yourself in a very painful place?
iamrogerfederer: Nothing bad ever happened. So i'll keep doing it :)

EvilNeville: If you could play doubles with one player living or dead who would it be and why?
iamrogerfederer: My three choices would be John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, and Rod Laver. From a historical perspective it would be really fun to play doubles with them as they are all legends.

Brendinio: Dear Roger, if there was one rule of tennis you could alter, what would it be?
iamrogerfederer: A rule that would only let ME serve from the service line. Whenever I want. Seems fair to me :) On a serious note: we should get some more Best of 5 set finals back (like at the ATP World Tour finals).
nitromanitol: Federer! What are your thoughts on the decline of the one-handed backhand? Do most players play with two-handed just because it is more consistent and powerful?
iamrogerfederer: I would love to see more one-handed backhands but the trend is clearly going 2-handers because we see more baseline tennis.
Fer_Alvarez: Hi Roger! Someday you will come to Mexico? here are many fans who love you! please! :")
iamrogerfederer: Thanks Fer_Alvarez. I was there in the mid 90's for Juniors and I'd love to come back. We're actually having discussions about coming in December. Stay tuned!

Federer45: How do you keep your hair so perfect?
iamrogerfederer: I really don't. I fight it every day like everybody else. But thanks.

PrestoFortissimo: Roger, if you had an upcoming match against a 2007 Roger Federer, what would your strategy be to win and how do you think you would fare?
iamrogerfederer: Well first, I hope I'm a better player today than I was back then. I feel like I'm a more complete player today. Although my game hasn't changed much, my experience would allow me fewer mistakes and the ability to deal with challenges a little bit easier.
mungbeanie: Roger, you are one of my favourite tennis players, if not my absolute favourite! What kind of music does a man of your calibre listen to?
iamrogerfederer: It all started for me in Dance & Techno. Then i moved over to Rock. Now i'm all over the place.
Ptolemis: Hi there! How do you deal with nerves before a match? Is there anything special, or is it all training? Or perhaps something else?

iamrogerfederer: Funny enough I could be more nervous about a 2nd round match than a finals match from time to time. Just because you have more doubts on certain days. Unexplainable really. But of course when the big matches roll around you have tendency to be more anxious. I don't really have any specific routines other than having my normal pre-match routine which helps me get comfortable and focused.

youngjabberwocker: Hey Roger! I'm a big fan of watching you play! Since players like you, Nadal, or Djokovic have all started off as young players, what advice do you have for young tennis players who have dreams of going professional?
iamrogerfederer: Take up Football. No just kidding.
1 You have to enjoy what you're doing. It's not always easy but it sure is a whole lot of fun traveling the world, meeting people, learning different cultures and playing against other great people and players. For that, you need to work really hard and play tough and fair. And learn from your losses and your disappointments and make sure you don't look back with regrets.

atifinthenight: Hi Roger! My question is: at this point in your career, are there any records or achievements that you still really want?
iamrogerfederer: There are some great new CD's out that I haven't bought yet. But in terms of tennis records:Any record is welcome. 8 Wimbledons would be great. I'd also love to win another ATP World Tour final. And getting back to World No. 1

trikskier: Hey roger, I played against you in a Netjets tournament/exhibition a couple of years back, where you then played against Rafael Nadal. Just wanted to say hi, and see how you are doing? We sat on the table next to you at the luncheon, and I still have all my autographed hats and shirts from you. I just wanted to say that I thought it was so admirable that you let my grandma win the point against you, without making it seem that way. She's your biggest fan, and that made her so happy! You're a good guy.
iamrogerfederer: Thanks trikskier. Please say hi to your grandma for me.
christophethefish: What are the differences between Paul Annaconeand Severin Luthi's coaching? Do they give you different kinds of advice/strategy or are they on the same wavelength?

iamrogerfederer: For me it's really important that they get along.. which is definitely the case.

We have a great chemistry and they complement each other. Paul has great experience on Tour as a player and coach, which is invaluable. And Severin has known me and my game for such a long. So the two together are a great combo.

Read the full thread HERE

4 comments:

  1. i remember the rafa wimbledon match.. its nt onli the longest final ever but the greatest final!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I tink hes ruled himself out frm winnin the french open.. on that note let the winner be the winner of Nadal vs Novak semis

    ReplyDelete
  3. This guy is the coolest living legend

    ReplyDelete
  4. omo! i rmba 1 of dose under the leg shots mahn, against Novak.. 2009 Us open. #Classic

    ReplyDelete