Pasty Roger still looks on top of the world.
And the center of attention.
Gulf News conducted an exclusive interview with Roger Federer in Dubai this weekend, after he announced his withdrawal from the city’s tournament with a lung infection. Here’s some video and a couple interesting excerpts form the interview, which is pretty good. Click here for more.
In case you were worrying about Roger’s mental health:
Roger Federer: “I have been tired at times and have had niggling injuries but it’s just a way of trying to manage everything at the same time: the sponsors, the media, the tournament, the pressure, the expectations and the travelling. These are all difficult to balance especially now with my family and two children. But it’s a nice welcome for me. I am the happiest person alive right now but you know it can get more interesting because it isn’t going to be any easier over the next few years with the youngsters pushing through.”
Roger Federer on being an inspiration:
Q: You have been a role model for so many people and kids. They idolise you. What does it take for you to be this way?
Roger Federer: “Maybe good manners. That’s what my parents taught me. But then at the end of the day I admired my own role models for how they played tennis. So it depends on how you look at it. If I am a role model on the human side then it’s extremely flattering, especially on the courts with my behaviour and the way I play. I am trying to inspire younger players. But it depends on which angle you look at it from and who you are trying to address. I am happy I have such a wide fan base all over the world – from young kids to older people.”
Good to hear Roger doesn’t hold anything against the many Fedophiles (and bloggers) out there:
Q: You are aware that sometimes the affections of the fans can cross the line. Their obsession can spill into an athlete’s personal life. There is a limit to everything, but it can be argued that because the public pay for the tickets and the consumer buys the brand that an athlete endorses they have the right to know everything about them. What is your perception of this?
Roger Federer: Well I think we live in different times today than like 20 years ago. Today the internet and the media are so strong, that when things are written and blogs are typed they move very quickly. I’m not scared because I am not hiding anything (laughs) but if someone takes a picture of me having lunch somewhere this could be all over the world in no time at all because the interest is so huge.
Fortunately, I live in places like Dubai and Switzerland where the attention is moderate. I can live my life normally. I am happy that this is still possible for me.
Via Gulf News. Click here for more.
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