Fedr on Match For Africa with Rafa in February 2020:
[So for those who couldn’t watch Federer’s interview on DSTV about the Match in Africa, here are some highlights. Some of this is paraphrased because I couldn’t record it or write fast enough to get exact quotes.]
[THREAD]
Spoke about his late coach, Peter Carter, who was like a big bro/father figure to him, how important he was at that early stage of his career. Some coaches come at the right time. Roger said that he might make a good coach for a professional one day, but maybe not for a junior.
About the SA exho, it's difficult to organise events with the relentlessness of the tour. When thinking about who to play against, the 1 player who came to mind was Rafa – his fiercest and toughest rival. Rafa was v. happy to help the foundation but finding a date took some time
Asked about his earliest memory of South Africa, and he spoke about the various places throughout the country that he used to visit on holiday as a child and spending time with family. He mentioned how much his dad loves to come back to to visit family.
Talked about the importance of education. Growing up in as a kid you don’t always want to go to school, but there are places where others would love the opportunity to go to school. Education can't be taken away from you, it makes you a better citizen and the country better
He wants to enjoy this time of his career, there will be things waiting for him after retirement, most importantly being a good father. Spoke about being a “cool” dad. His girls are more aware of his achievements because they are older but he doesn’t like to make a big deal of it
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Cath
He’s quite childish with his kids, he wrestles with them. He tries to be a fun dad, the creative one, but is also firm and doesn’t want Mirka to always have to be the bad cop. They switch roles.
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Cath
Roger said the 2013 back injury was difficult because, while he could still play, he couldn’t produce the results he had without the injury and didn’t want to talk about it with the media. Knee surgery in 2016 was scary because it was the first surgery he’d had in his career.
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Cath
It changed way he viewed his body, now he can take different decisions to protect his body. He has worked hard to be still playing in his late thirties.
Asked about the Springboks (SA's national rugby team who just won the World Cup). He watched a few games towards the end of the RWC and was so happy for the team, for the country and the continent. He hopes he can meet the team. Spoke glowingly of Siya Kolisi (our captain)
To the fans who are coming to Cape Town in Feb, Roger said thank you for buying a ticket, promises they will use that money wisely to help Southern African children’s education. Asks the crowd to be as loud as possible.
He cares that people are there and it’s been his dream to play in Cape Town. Roger said that walking out in front the crowd with Rafa is going to be special.
#rogerfederer #matchforafrica
[END THREAD]
:
www.swissinfo.ch
www.atptour.com
