Few would place Roger Federer in the same group as Alicia Keys, but it turns out the American singer has had an impact on the 20-time grand slam champion.
37-year-old Federer recently dismissed speculation that this year might be his last on the tour after announcing his return to the clay. A surface he last played a competitive match on back in 2016. The Swiss player is currently the second oldest player in the top 100 after Ivo Karlovic, but is showing no signs of hanging up his racket yet.
During a recent interview with Gulf News, Federer outlined what drives him to continue playing. Drawing similarities between him and 15-time Grammy winner Keys, who he recently watched in concert.
“When I went to a concert of Alicia Keys the other day, I saw how she was enjoying herself playing the piano for 12,000 people. People have bought an expensive ticket and she was trying to give them the money’s worth — I try to do the same to entertain people,” Federer explained.
Whilst he may not be technically an entertainer, Federer is certainly a star attraction for many in the world of sport. All sessions at this week’s Dubai Tennis Championships, which Federer is playing in, have sold out. Forbes lists him as the seventh highest paid athlete of 2018 with endorsements of $65 million.
“When you show up somewhere, you see the queues for tickets and all the love and affection of the fans. It makes you realise that maybe you are more than a tennis player — an entertainer or an ambassador of the game if you like.” He said.
“I do what I can to inspire people by shaking hands at a meet-and-greet or by saying something in an interview. I want people to think that this Roger Federer gives the crowd 100 per cent and not do anything half-hearted, so that they can come back to a tennis arena again.”
Reflecting on his career achievements to date, the world No.7 admits that he finds it hard to believe at times. His records include spending 302 weeks as world No.1, 20 grand slam titles and six ATP Finals trophies.
“I was a talented youngster and I was good at the local level, then national and international. By the time I was 18, I thought maybe I can make it to the top 100 or even top 10, but I never thought I could be the world No. 1 one day.” He said.
“The road was long and rocky, but to win all the grand slams that I did … I often have to pinch myself to believe it but it’s been an amazing journey — it has made me tougher as a person and taught me to handle situations. Life has been good for me and I wish all players go through this phase.”
Federer hopes to claim his 100th ATP title in Dubai this week. A milestone that has only ever been achieved by Jimmy Connors back in 1983. In his first round match on Monday, he produced a rocky display during his 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, win over Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber. Hitting 29 winners and 29 unforced errors.
“I’m just happy to get through, it was tricky conditions out there,” the Swiss was quoted as saying by AFP.
“Philipp caused me a lot of trouble and we played in swirly conditions. All of a sudden it (the wind) could stop and you could be a break down. That also plays in your head a little bit.”
In the second round, Federer will take on Spain’s Fernando Verdasco.
