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Wimbledon - Roger Federer exclusive: I don't read the newspapers
Our German office caught up with Roger Federer ahead of Wimbledon as he discussed preparations, superstitions and media coverage.
8 hours ago Eurosport
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Switzerland's Roger Federer (L) poses for a photograph following a practice session ahead of the 2015 Wimbledon Championships
[EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW: Wimbledon seeds, ticket details, how to watch]
The third Grand Slam tournament of the season, Wimbledon, is around the corner. It's hard, especially in the first week, to find space and time to relax as it's such a busy tournament.
Roger Federer: I would not say it’s a running of a gauntlet, but it is stressful with such a great crowd around you. Four hundred players are squatting together with their coaches and carers. Then we are talking about more than 1,000 people - and if it still rains, all come together in a very small space. But I also love to speak with other players, especially in the cabin - and sometimes I even commentate matches.
You commentate matches?
Federer: Well, not like you on TV. Its only for us, this is of course less serious but it's fun.
What are you doing two or three hours before a match?
Federer: In principle, the preparation is always quite similar, regardless of whether I play the first round or finals. My body and my mind know that they must be prepared. About three hours before a match I work on my play and then two or two and a half hours before the match starts I go to have a shower and eat. That’s it. Afterwards there is a relaxing period and a conversation with my coach about the upcoming match. If my ankles are taped, I do trunk exercises and exercises for explosiveness. It takes longer now, since I'm a little bit older (laughs)
Are you superstitious, in particular to your sport?
Federer: No absolutely not. I am very relaxed, I do not need special rites and I also don’t hope that a particular shower is free, because I know that I can win if I do not take always the same routine. However, I have a favourite number: that’s eight. Also when I reached the top 10 for the first time, I landed directly at eighth place.
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John McEnroe has joined Eurosport
Eurosport expert John McEnroe recently made the proposal to cancel the warm-up on the court and to start immediately. What do you think?
Federer: For me this is not a problem. I find it exciting to warm up with my opponent. But on the other hand I can also say: 'I am ready and do not need a warm-up'. But in this case, I guess, the opponent has to find a partner with whom he can hit a few balls. But try to imagine, I would do it before a Wimbledon final - no, I can’t do that…
What do you think about social networks like Facebook? Fans and media gain completely new insights from their sporting idols. How do you feel about that?
Federer: Years ago when it's emerged, I was already careful. Then I scrutinised how the people use it and gave them a chance. Today I have fun.
How do you deal with what the press has to say about you?
Federer: Around the French Open in Paris, I did not look in the French sports newspaper L'Equipe for three weeks - although this is a very specialised paper. Indeed in tournaments you can find the major newspapers everywhere, but honestly I take them with me rarely. However I get the information about what is written about me more on the internet.
https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news...sive-dont-read-newspapers-133627836--ten.html
So he DOES read these forums!!!
