"I practice with my daughters"
Roger Federer is happy to be in Basel, at home, with his family. He says he's in good shape thanks to Charlene and Myla who make him run.
The practice is almost over. RF's laugh resounds in the Saint-Jacques hall. The world number two has just had a dig at Marco Chiudinelli, the childhood friend with whom he thrilled last year's public at the SI.
A little "roulette" à la Zidane (pardon my translation, I'm not a football experticon_lol. ). RF is at home, and enters the 2010 edition of his tournement, and the quest of a 4th victory, without pressure. "I'm satisfied by my last tournements. On the whole, since Wimbledon, I play better and better. I feel fresh to attack the end of the season whereas many players are very tired. It's an advantage...", points out the one who now has his "Walk of fame", in the headquarters of one of his sponsors. And he announces: "I'm too far behind to become number one again in the near future, now what matters are the titles. Smalls or bigs".
What's the secret of your shape?
I manage my seasons more cleverly than when I started, by allowing myself some breaks when I feel I need them. And I practice at home with my daughters. They run all over the place so someone has to follow them...
Charlene and Myla act like coaches?
Above all for anticipation. We have to be watchful every instant, predict where they're going to go. Left or right? When I go left, they go right, it's like that...I always get it wrong! (he laughs).
So all the family is doing well?
Yes, everyone is fine. We've already gone to the "Mess" twice (=funfair). We went to see that and we use our time here to take walks, to go see friends, family. We visited my sister for example.
You've just hit a few balls with your friend MC, in front of your father.
His dad was there too. They have even played tennis together last week. I'm happy to see Marco again-apparently he doesn't have back pain anymore- and all the other Swiss that are here BTW, Michi (Michael Lammer), Yves, George (Bastl). But, for Marco and me the atmosphere of this tournement is very familial. Both of us have been ballboys, and we know the history. And our relatives are here. This morning I told my parents: I'll train at 14h. They told me: Ok, we'll drop in. Because everybody is at 10 minutes of the SJ Hall. And we know the people. It's very nice. Yesterday (Thursday) I was at the training center "Le Paradis". That's where I used to train when I was 10 or 12, with Peter Carter. for me, everything has a history in Basel.
What are your most lasting memories?
When I received my 1st WC, and had to face Agassi. It was stressful, I didn't want to lose 6-0 6-0. But also the final I lost against Enqvist in 2000. And of course, the 1st title I won here. It was very nice.
The line-up for the 2010 editon is the highest the tournement has ever had. Even more motivating?
It doesn't change a lot for me. Because the motivation simply comes from being in Basel, from living the dream at home. To play well for the public, for me, for the family. However, the fact that the tournement shines because there are many very good players is great for the spectators. For those who like to see tennis, and not just me or the top 4 for example. There are other matches where incredible things happen. It's nice for everybody.
For the Swiss public, the SI are still the annual reunion with RF.
Yes it has become that a bit in the last years. Because even if I play the DC, it can take place abroad, there is never a garantee for the Swiss public. And I haven't played in Gsaad for a few years now. So Basel is really a big date with the Swiss. And I like being here with my family, talking about my memories and what I would like to accomplish here.
What is needed so that we see you cursing or in bad mood?
RF: Differences in opinions. They are everywhere. Perhaps in the very beginning you don't think the same and you are a little bit frustrated. But I am always ready for a compromise in order to find a solution in my relationship or in my team.
Are you annoyed by the public discussions on your plans to build a house on Lenzerheide?
RF: Of course I wouldn't want to have it this way. I think that this belongs to my private life but I can't always control everything. Many people from the media have treated me well. I understand if someone doesn't strictly act by the rules. I can also just smile at something like this and go on.
Isn't this one of the downsides of being famous?
RF: Yes, sure. There are downsides but there are also many nice things. In any case, I'd do everything the same way. I feel very content with the situation that I am in. The negative part is so minimal that it is in the shadow of all the positive things that I experience.
Which aspects of being famous you don't want to miss under any circumstances?
RF: I'd be fine even if I wasn't famous at all. I never use my fame in a negative way like say "Hey, let me in, give me a table." If it's possible, then it is possible.
But you always receive your table...
RF: No. It is like this in Switzerland: if a restaurant is full, it is full. Then even Roger Federer doesn't get a table. And it is absolutely right so.
How have you changed since you became a father?
RF: I got accustomed to a new situation. I put greater emphasis on the preparation (for trips) so that it's as easy as possible for the kids. I've always been a person who is full of energy and is in good mood. I am even more so when I see Myla and Charlene.
They are very active now, aren't they?
RF: Oh yes. It's like anticipation training. They run in all directions. This is very intense. Where do they run? Left or right? I try to guess but I never guess right.
Actually you have it all. What more do you want from life?
RF: That I stay healthy and injury-free. I could well live without tennis, but I'd like to hang around a little longer. I also like to let life get to me. And I hope that Mirka and I are good parents and that we raise our children well.
What would you like to give your children at all costs?
RN: Respect. That they are open-minded. I'd like to help them learn several languages along the way because this is what has benefited me a lot. I will be very happy if they are active because this is a good lifestyle. It helps to make good friends (laughs). But I am with the mindset that everything will be quite different.
What from would you like to protect your children?
RF: It's important that you have also bad experience. Otherwise you won't know where your limits are. I was also one of those who have been tested to the limit. That's why I burned my fingers from time to time. It's important for one to know his limits. My kids will also have their bad experiences. At such moments it is important that we talk to them about that and draw the right conclusions together.
Who is a role model for you?
RF: Because of my relations to South Africa, Nelson Mandela is definitely a person whom I'd love to meet. In general one can learn something or get inspired by many interesting people.
fuyu さんが書きました:引き続きこの楽しい時間が続くよう、是非とも勝って欲しいです
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