Ubitennis founder Ubaldo Scanagatta has developed a reputation over the years of having the press room in hysterics with his antics.
In the past, he has been caught sleeping during Rafael Nadal’s press conference at the Australian Open and even had his Italian accent playfully mocked by Novak Djokovic. The latest exchange involved 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer at the US Open. Last week the Swiss Maestro was asked where he would like to be when he turns 70. Prompting a humorous repose from the Swiss player.
“Hopefully still alive. Yeah, and healthy.” He said.
Pressed further about where he would want to love, Federer stated that he intends to spend his retirement in his home country of Switzerland.
“In Switzerland. That’s where I’ll be. In the wintertime in the mountains and in the summertime at the lake. There you go.” He stated.
It is not the first time a conversation between the veteran Italian journalist and Federer has prompted laughter. During Wimbledon earlier this year, the Ubitennis chief then spoke about an article he wrote for the Italian language ubitennis.com. Previewing Federer’s fourth round encounter with Matteo Berrettini, Scanagatta declared that Berrettini wouldn’t lose ‘6-1, 6-2, 6-2.’ Ironically he did lose with that exact score.
“If you should change your job or not, is that question? Think about it.” The Swiss player replied with a smile.
There was a reason why Scanagatta asked the world No.3 what he would like to do at the age of 70. On Saturday he reached the milestone age whilst reporting at his 154th grand slam tournament. This year is his 36th visit to the US Open as a journalist.
