Seeing Federer play in person

[Tennis_Monk]

Hello everybody,

I live in Canada and am debating saving up to take a trip down to Toronto in the summer to see Federer play live. I have never had the privilege of watching a live ATP tennis event. I thought now would be the time to see Federer play while he's still near the top of his game. I was wondering if any of you have ever seen Federer play live and what the experience was like. Do you think ticket prices would be expensive for an earlier tournament match? Where would you reccomend sitting, behind or to the side? Is it worth splurging to get closer to court level? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

I have an easy option for you. Just come and watch me play. Then fast forward my game like 10 times or Imagine that you are watching Federer slow motion video.

Its that easy. You dont have to worry about seeing prime federer coz i am always on top of my game/score/opponent you name it!.

On a serious note, Unless you get tickets up close (like 10-30 rows from the court) every other row adds that much less clarity. I was fortunate in the sense that i got court side tickets (through my boss/company) and that experience cannot even be remotely felt when i was paying 85$ seats at Usoopen.


I recommend Estoril (poland) or Cincy (Usa).

 

[Roy Hobbs]

It's only worth it if you have a decent (close) seat. At Indian Wells I was in the upper deck and regretted that seat purchase 100%.

I was also in the uppermost reaches of the big stadium but had no regrets. I felt with a day pass at IW that I was able to get so close to players practicing during the day that I didn't mind a little distance. The lines of sight inside the stadium I thought were good. It was also quite relaxed up there. Felt free to stand up when necessary without distracting play.

I must admit, though, that I brought a professional quality video camera with a zoom lens that came in handy. Especially for facing out of the stadium--over the back wall--onto nearby courts. Was able to watch Fed, Rafa, Roddick, Monfils, Sharapova, etc. practice while actually standing countless yards away.

I enjoy being closer to the action indoors. The sound of the ball and the speed of play is astonishing.

 

[David123]

tix arent that expensive its free the first 2 qualifying days... tickets for finals start at 45$. And watching pros play is awesome.

 

[Roy Hobbs]

Ah, was busy being long-winded and forgot to address the OP.

Yes, if you are able, see Fed and as many top players as you can. Practices, as well as matches. It will be obvious that they're people like you and me, who are capable of doing things quite unlike you and me. Both very inspirational and a little bit humbling.

 

[harryz]

I've seen every top player live for the past 33 years

Was a ball boy for Vilas and Solomon and others back in the mid 70s... Also saw Borg, Mac, Connors, Ashe, Becker, Edberg, Sampras, Agassi, Lendl, you name 'em. Most on many occasions. Have now seen most from the current generation. Federer is the best of the lot-- a man among boys (escept for Nadal) and even better in person. Pure poetry in motion.

Whoever recommended watching practice sessions is right. Also be sure to go the the outer courts that are small and intimate for the first 3 rounds or so. Best way to watch live matches. Also try to catch Nalbandian, whose economy of motion is remarkable. Verdasco is impressive live, too. Then again, they all are. And stick around for doubles, for sure.

 

[kaleidoskope]

...I recommend Estoril (poland) or Cincy (Usa).

...you recommend Estoril (Portugal) or Cincy (Usa).

 

[viktorkwan]

I watched Fed practise with Navratilova in HK in 2004.

The practice session was unreal.

Fed was practising some serve & volley. He didn't hold back on his serves but Navratilova was still able to chip and block every return to Fed's feet. She even gave him some pointers re his volleys.

At the end of the session, Fed took a camera out of his bag and asked Mirka to take a photo of him and Navratilova!

 

[johnathan smith]

YOU'VE GOTTA DO IT NOW!!!

I drove all the way to Cincy to years ago (from South Alabama) and went back again last year and am going this year...

You've gotta see these guys in person. I'm not really into sitting in stadium court and watching matches. Practice is where it's at.

You can sit 5 feet from any player and watch him train/practice. It's incredible.....

Nothing like seeing Nadal/Federer/Monfils/Safin from 10 feet away with a cold drink in your hand, 3:00 on a sunny Tuesday afternnon.

Cincy is totally over-hauling their courts and setup for the 2010 tournament. It's tough for me to believe that Cincy could get much better.
The access to players and practice courts is pretty incredible.

 

[Tennis_Monk]

...you recommend Estoril (Portugal) or Cincy (Usa).

My apologies, was half drunk and half tired. still no reason to make such errors. Estoril indeed is in Portugal and i recommend it , especially to watch federer.

 

[chancep2120]

I saw Fed play in Cincinnati, he played Hewitt. Amazing experience but of course there was a heckler there, rooting against Fed. No worries though, he got escorted out haha

 

[amoguga]

I've seen Federer in Cincinnati for the past 10 years...he usually plays on Tuesday or Wednesday day session. I've bought a seat for the finals every year hoping to see Federer/Nadal, but with Nadal's record on the hard courts I doubt if I will ever see that happen. A seat for the early rounds is $26, I've got to think that they will raise it again this year....

Catch him on the practice courts for a real close look...so close you can almost reach out and touch him. The ball he hits needs to be seen to be believed...not the high loopy spin, but a driving spin that appears fairly flat but drives through and explodes off of the court. His backhand slice is a thing of beauty as well...another hard, driving slice that digs in and bounces no more than 6" off of the court. Moves like a gazelle, the most uncanny thing is that you never hear his sneakers squeak - almost as though he is floating...and deceptively fast, because his court sense and first step is so good. Get there and enjoy the priviledge of watching the greatest player ever to pick up a racket work his magic...we'll never see the likes of him again!

Cincinnati is a great tournament - easy to get to and you will be walking right past the players as they head to the practice courts. Center court is small, in reality there is not a bad seat in the house. Have fun!!

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

I've seen Federer in Cincinnati for the past 10 years...he usually plays on Tuesday or Wednesday day session. I've bought a seat for the finals every year hoping to see Federer/Nadal, but with Nadal's record on the hard courts I doubt if I will ever see that happen. A seat for the early rounds is $26, I've got to think that they will raise it again this year....

Catch him on the practice courts for a real close look...so close you can almost reach out and touch him. The ball he hits needs to be seen to be believed...not the high loopy spin, but a driving spin that appears fairly flat but drives through and explodes off of the court. His backhand slice is a thing of beauty as well...another hard, driving slice that digs in and bounces no more than 6" off of the court. Moves like a gazelle, the most uncanny thing is that you never hear his sneakers squeak - almost as though he is floating...and deceptively fast, because his court sense and first step is so good. Get there and enjoy the priviledge of watching the greatest player ever to pick up a racket work his magic...we'll never see the likes of him again!

Cincinnati is a great tournament - easy to get to and you will be walking right past the players as they head to the practice courts. Center court is small, in reality there is not a bad seat in the house. Have fun!!

Agree completely with everything you said above. Cincy is a great tournament to go to. Went there in 2009 and everyone in the family thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

[Tshooter]

"I was at the Spadea match sitting behind Donald Trump !!!!"

That's a good seat. I think around box 50-51, behind the court, on the Northside. Trump used to show up a lot on Armstrong if a match got tight so I think he actually enjoys the tennis but the past few years you mostly see him over at Ashe.

"Wow man you know your history. "

I do.

You're right about the seats. On the rare occasions in which there is open seating courtside on that particular court, they hold the seats behind the court for sponsors. But not always. Like last year for Wozniacki semifinals. No reason to hold them when only a couple of hundred people are in the stadium. Looks bad on TV. [Everyone was over on Ashe watching Serena-Kim.]

 

[Tshooter]

Why did it post twice. I don't understand these internets. A very confusing series of tubes....

 

[kaleidoskope]

So guys...

Your opinion is of the utmost importance: Toronto, Cincinnatti or New York (US Open)?

Considering a few variables: reasonable price of reasonable seats, chances to see good matches/players, affordable housing, etc...

What would you choose?

 

[Rhino]

So guys...

Your opinion is of the utmost importance: Toronto, Cincinnatti or New York (US Open)?

Considering a few variables: reasonable price of reasonable seats, chances to see good matches/players, affordable housing, etc...

What would you choose?

I would chose the US Open out of those three if you have never been, just because the atmosphere of a slam is a bit more electric, and if you only see Federer once, then saying that you saw him on the biggest tennis court in the world is pretty cool - also you are at least guaranteed three sets. I'd spend the extra money too and get great seats.
The first time I ever saw Federer was at the US Open, and it was incredible.

Having said that, if you go to Toronto, you will have a blast too. I watched Federer practice there, standing courtside and saw him play a couple of good matches. You won't be disappointed. The thing is, it's always a lottery because nobody can tell how exciting or tight a match might be in advance.
One of my favourite matches watching Federer was at Toronto (vs Gonzo in 2006).

Never been to Cincy.

 

[ruerooo]

Go. Get as close as you can with out going in to debt.

What BorisBeckerFan said.

And take the best camera security will permit you to have.

 

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

I've been watching Federer play down here in Miami ever since he began playing the tournament. One of the most exciting matches I've ever seen was the 5 set final where Federer defeated nadal in 5. However, his matches haven't lived up to my expectations for the past few years because it seems as though he doesn't take the Miami Masters as seriously as he does the Grand Slams.

There doesn't seem to be a whole lot down here which motivates Fed. At the clay masters, he's motivated my the thought of beating Nadal in the finals, but he doesn't have anything more to prove on harcourts.

 

[dextor]

For those who have been to the Rogers Cup, how do I get to watch Roger practice? Or is it completely closed off to public?

 

[Rhino]

For those who have been to the Rogers Cup, how do I get to watch Roger practice? Or is it completely closed off to public?

It's not closed off at all. I saw him practice there and it was just by accident. I was just wandering around and I went to the furthermost court on the left, I don't know court numbers, and he showed up in the little machine that they use to drive the players around. You can stand right up against the court perimeter and watch, literally a few feet away. An army of fans will descend on the court when word gets out though.

 

[Rhino]

This is a photo I took showing how many fans turn up...

 

[Atherton2003]

I never saw Federer play in person - but I saw Nadal play at the US Open in 2008 - Up until the night before, I didn't know who was going to play in Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums - but I was hoping for Nadal - and I was lucky to see him scheduled for the time/day I was going to be there.....I think Nadal was worth every penney..... just remember to bring sun-screen and binoculars....

 

[Atherton2003]

Roger's Cup? Is that a tournament that features the jock strap of Federer?

 

[dugger5688]

How much would tickets be, for example, to cincinatti (to see Roger!)

Around $40 for most sessions (ground pass + stadium seat for the day or night) . It's well worth it if you live around there.

 

[Atherton2003]

$40 is a great price. The US Open tickets were much more expensive.

 

[dextor]

It's not closed off at all. I saw him practice there and it was just by accident. I was just wandering around and I went to the furthermost court on the left, I don't know court numbers, and he showed up in the little machine that they use to drive the players around. You can stand right up against the court perimeter and watch, literally a few feet away. An army of fans will descend on the court when word gets out though.

Nice, I thought the top guys would get special treatment and get closed off centre court practice times, I'm pretty sure I saw a youtube vid once of Fed practicing centre court at Rogers Cup. But this is good news! I guess I'll just show up early everyday and keep wondering.

 

[teckid]

I was at that match as well. It was unbelievable.

I was also there, it was pretty crazy. Fed made it look real easy. It never seemed to get tense, and for two greats it was almost mundane and if you were not recognizing the great play from Fed and how he disarmed Andre, you might have not been entertained due to it's one sided nature.

 

[Rhino]

Nice, I thought the top guys would get special treatment and get closed off centre court practice times, I'm pretty sure I saw a youtube vid once of Fed practicing centre court at Rogers Cup. But this is good news! I guess I'll just show up early everyday and keep wondering.

I'm sure he gets to practice on the centre court there too, but it's not always available earlier in tournament i guess. I think when I saw him practice there it was like the 2nd day or something.

 

[CMM]

It must be a great experience.