Tennis legend Roger Federer could also be retired however the 20-time grand slam champion nonetheless proved that he can thrill a crowd in any context.
Federer, 41, introduced his shock retirement in a love letter to the sport late final yr, acknowledging that his time within the solar had come to an finish.
But late on Wednesday, the tennis titan took to Twitter, inviting followers to ask him something in a pleasant Q&A that lasted a number of hours.
He’s nonetheless as charming as ever.
“It’s been awhile! Doing an #AskRF (Ask Roger Federer) in around 90 minutes … Drop your questions here!” he wrote.
What adopted was a sequence of hilarious interactions with followers and colleagues that proved Federer nonetheless has it.
The first query got here from Wimbledon’s official account, which wrote: “Which of your Wimbledon titles is your favourite — and why?”
“All of them,” Federer responded.
But it wasn’t lengthy earlier than his underrated sense of humour began rising.
Asked his favorite match in opposition to Rafael Nadal, Federer referred to a 6-1 6-3 6-0 defeat within the 2008 French Open remaining.
“Those four games were awesome,” he joked.
“Hi Roger, what do you think of creating a regular podcast?” wrote one other fan.
“What is a podcast and why does everybody have one?” Federer joked in reply.
Federer mentioned Andy Murray advised the very best dad jokes — “he was born to tell dad jokes and then not smile after” — however revealed he really sleeps much less now he’s off tour.
“Before I *had* to get my sleep. Now there’s less pressure to, so I end up sleeping less,” he wrote. “Weird, right?”
He additionally had nice recommendation for tennis newbies, each easy — “just keep your eyes on the ball” — and extra elaborate: “In tennis, there is so much you always want to improve. There are so many incredible details. You have to be selective and methodical in how you go about it. A great coach helps you prioritise what to work on in what order, and what the end goal should be over the next 1/3/5 years. Wanting to improve everything at once can be a trap, so sometimes simplifying things works best.”
There was after all extra time for his longtime rival however shut good friend Nadal, who Federer mentioned he would miss seeing play at this yr’s French Open after the Spanish nice was compelled to drag out with damage.
“French Open + Rafael Nadal = one of the most incredible records in history of all sports,” Federer mentioned.
“I’m happy for him that he’s giving himself the necessary time so that he can come back healthy and make a few more magical runs.”
Federer’s retirement message, delivered final September, thanked not solely his household but in addition his opponents as he stepped again from a profession as one of many biggest of all time.
“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries,” the message learn.
“I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.
“I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career.
“This is a bittersweet decision, because I will miss everything the tour has given me. But at the same time, there is so much to celebrate. I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth. I was given a special talent to play tennis, and I did it at a level that I never imagined, for much longer than I ever thought possible.”
Asked what he was having fun with most since retirement, the previous world primary mentioned: “There was a lot of little stuff that I didn’t know was creating so much stress that just dropped away, which is really cool. Like a weight being lifted off my shoulders.”
And what he missed most: “Having a spontaneous dinner out on tour with friends after a match or practice. And of course the big stadiums, fans and the thrill of it all.”
Source: www.news.com.au
