Roger Federer took part in a Reddit.com “Ask Me Anything” session on Friday, May 24. The session has ended. Below is an organized layout of the up-voted questions and the Swiss maestro’s answers (iamrogerfederer on Reddit): Direct link to Reddit thread: redd.it/1ezafj
Disastrously_Dazed: What’s your opinion about moving up to a 95 sq in racquet like most of the ATP?
I’ve been testing rackets for the last 10 years and have also tested 95 sq so who knows. Maybe one day. I’m always open for changes. The real challenge is finding a time in the calendar year where i have enough time to test it out and get comfortable.
It’s important to do everything in moderation. I live a really healthy lifestyle already. As an athlete I do spend a lot of time to make sure i’m eating the right things at the right time but as I get older I definitely and paying more attention to my nutrition. Sleep is always important. So is treatment.
dflove: Are you ever planning on bringing back Darth Federer? Fans love the all black night outfit (photo here)
I really loved that outfit. Under the lights in NYC. All black. That was awesome. No plans yet to bring it back yet.. but we’ll see.
LogelFedelel: Thank you Roger, I’ve always hoped that you would do an AMA! First, I want to congratulate you on having such a beautiful family and being an amazing family man as well as an amazing athlete. Second, what are your thoughts on restructuring the tennis season to allow for a slightly longer grass court season and possibly having a Masters 1000 event before Wimbledon?
Thanks LogelFedelel.
The Tour is adding a week of grass before Wimbledon starting in 2015. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll have a Masters 1000. I clearly would love more tournaments on grass 🙂
Let’s not forget 3 of the 4 grand slams used to be on grass.
Brendinio: Dear Roger, if there was one rule of tennis you could alter, what would it be?
A rule that would only let ME serve from the service line. Whenever I want. Seems fair to me 🙂 On a serious note: we should get some more Best of 5 set finals back (like at the ATP World Tour finals).
basherrr: Did you really hit that can off that guy’s head?
It takes a lot of practice. Kids, I wouldn’t try that at home 😉
EvilNeville: If you could play doubles with one player living or dead who would it be and why?
My three choices would be John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, and Rod Laver. From a historical perspective it would be really fun to play doubles with them as they are all legends.
Federer45: How do you keep your hair so perfect?
I really don’t. I fight it every day like everybody else. But thanks.
AmbientTech: You and Rafa filmed a commercial advertising charity matches. In this clip, you could not hold your laughter at all. The same thing happened when Pedro Pinto interviewed you for CNN International. Is spanish your Achilles Heel?
Re: Rafa Commercial: It’s funny I actually spoke to Rafa yesterday about that commercial. We had a close moment again yesterday at a Nike appearance. He insists it must have been because of his spanish accent. He couldn’t start a sentence without me already cracking up. It was a hilarious 5min for all of us.
hueypriest, reddit General Manager: Glaubst Du das Praezision i de maischte Schwizer im Bluet fliesst?
ich wuerd scho sage jo, mir sind generell so erzoge um genau und korrekt z’si. ich bi dr meinig es isch sogar e qualitaet vo uns.
(Roughly Translated: hueypriest: Do you think precision flows through the blood of most Swiss? iamrogerfederer: I would say yes, we are generally raised to be correct. In my opinion, it is a quality of us.)
trikskier: Hey roger, I played against you in a Netjets tournament/exhibition a couple of years back, where you then played against Rafael Nadal. Just wanted to say hi, and see how you are doing? We sat on the table next to you at the luncheon, and I still have all my autographed hats and shirts from you. I just wanted to say that I thought it was so admirable that you let my grandma win the point against you, without making it seem that way. She’s your biggest fan, and that made her so happy! You’re a good guy.
Thanks trikskier. Please say hi to your grandma for me.
Pantoner: What are some of your pre-match rituals?
1. Arrive on time at the courts. Pretty crucial so I don’t miss my match.
2. Warmup and hit for 30min.
3. Go for lunch or dinner. A light meal (pasta, for instance)
4. Get my ankles taped.
5. Stretch.
6. Warm up and match time.
xBarDown: Hi Roger, big fan! Which of your grand slam titles has meant the most to you?
My first one. It was a dream come true.
nitromanitol: Federer! What are your thoughts on the decline of the one-handed backhand? Do most players play with two-handed just because it is more consistent and powerful?
I would love to see more one-handed backhands but the trend is clearly going 2-handers because we see more baseline tennis.
AlfaAlfalfa: What is your reaction to this? (link to GIF of Federer missing backhand, Rome masters 2013)
For you baseball fans out there: Strike 1.
Ptolemis: Hi there! How do you deal with nerves before a match? Is there anything special, or is it all training? Or perhaps something else?
Funny enough I could be more nervous about a 2nd round match than a finals match from time to time. Just because you have more doubts on certain days. Unexplainable really. But of course when the big matches roll around you have tendency to be more anxious. I don’t really have any specific routines other than having my normal pre-match routine which helps me get comfortable and focused.
Deltsbrah: How much do you squat?
I’m not sure actually. I’ll pay attention next time.
christophethefish: Yooo what are the differences between Paul Annacone and Severin Luthi’s coaching? Do they give you different kinds of advice/strategy or are they on the same wavelength? (p.s. I’m willing to sell my twitter handle @goderer to you for £30m dude check it)
For me it’s really important that they get along.. which is definitely the case. We have a great chemistry and they compliment each other. Paul has great experience on Tour as a player and coach, which is invaluable. And Severin has known me and my game for such a long. So the two together are a great combo.
PaintedProgress: Roger! Your career has been phenomenal and your longevity/consistency pretty much unmatched. What is your plan for retirement, will you step down while at (or near) the top, or will you do a Connors and keep going for the enjoyment of the game? I think you’ve said in the past you plan to play Rio 2016, but has that changed since then?
What are your thoughts regarding doping in the game of tennis?
As far as doping is concerned: it should be a huge priority. The sport of tennis needs to lead by example and be the most serious and tough on doping.
mungbeanie: Roger, you are one of my favourite tennis players, if not my absolute favourite ! What kind of music does a man of your calibre listen to?
It all started for me in Dance & Techno. Then i moved over to Rock. Now i’m all over the place.
Fer_Alvarez: ¡Hi Roger! Someday you will come to Mexico? here are many fans who love you! please! :”)
Thanks Fer_Alvarez. I was there in the mid 90’s for Juniors and I’d love to come back. We’re actually having discussions about coming in December. Stay tuned!
Thick_as_a_Brick: Hey Roger, just wanted to say that I’m a huge fan of yours. One of the best things I’ve ever read about you has to be David Foster Wallace’s piece for the NY Times. Have you ever read it? If so what did you think of the way he characterized you?
I have read it. The thing that struck me is that I only spent 20min with him in the ATP office at Wimbledon, and he was able to produce such a comprehensive piece.
jctennis123: In every picture I see of you, you are looking directly at the ball through the strings and your hitting arm is perfectly straight. No other pro in the world does this as well as you. Here is an example I put together of you doing this compared to Murray, Djokovic, and Nadal (picture album) imgur.com/a/yNzX1#0. My question is, is there a way I can copy this technique? What strings do you use and at what tension?
1. seeing the pictures are really interesting. funny enough I don’t think consciously about looking directly at the ball, but I guess you’re right. it’s just habits and the way I was taught to play tennis.
2. 22 kilos tension
atifinthenight: Hi Roger! It’s unbelievable the kinds of records you’ve set: most weeks spent at number 1, most grand slams, and many more. My question is: at this point in your career, are there any records or achievements that you still really want? We know you’re going to keep playing because you love the sport, but is there anything specific you want to achieve? Highest number of Wimbledon championships, for example?
There are some great new CD’s out that I haven’t bought yet. But in terms of tennis records: Any record is welcome. 8 Wimbledon would be great. I’d also love to win another ATP World Tour final. And getting back to World #1
realstrikemasterice: What do you think is the biggest plus about Switzerland, besides the flag?
It’s one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever seen. So worthwhile to visit. And the people are very accepting and genuine. I also like the fact that there are so many different languages. In such a small country, we have an incredible amount of diversity and influences from abroad. Also, great chocolate. Mountains. Cheese. Rivers. Lakes. Pretty much everything. Just move there.
youngjabberwocker: Hey Roger! I’m a big fan of watching you play! Since players like you, Nadal, or Djokovic have all started off as young players, what advice do you have for young tennis players who have dreams of going professional?
Take up Football. No just kidding. You have to enjoy what you’re doing.It’s not always easy but it sure is a whole lot of fun traveling the world, meeting people, learning different cultures and playing against other great people and players. For that, you need to work really hard and play tough and fair. And learn from your losses and your disappointments and make sure you don’t look back with regrets.
Im_Not_A_Dr: Hey Roger just wanted to say thanks for everything you have done for the sport of tennis and I will be rooting for you at Roland Garros. Also, that new Wilson commercial turned out great! My sister said she had so much fun participating.
Awesome! Glad you liked it. I loved it too.
Self_Esteem_Booster: What was your toughest match ever?
Hewitt in Davis Cup 03. Del Potro in Olympics 2012. Roddick Wimbledon 09. Nalbandian 05 World Tour Finals, final. Rafa Wimbledon 2008. One of the great matches I’ve been apart of.
dielon1217: Hi Roger! How do you do that between the legs shot without hitting yourself in a very painful place?
Nothing bad ever happened. So i’ll keep doing it 🙂
Fydria: How many cows do you own now?
Unfortunately they both have left us 🙁
aidanfoxworth: Mr. Federer, I need help with my serve. Do you have any tips for a beginner trying to improve?
Make sure you focus on your ball toss so it’s always in the same place. Keep your elbow up. Just try to mirror throwing something.
yepl: What other sports do you play, and how often do you get a chance to play them?
I love to play squash, to ski, soccer/football, table tennis. When I stop playing tennis, I’d love to learn how to ice skate so that I can play some hockey as it’s one of my favorite sports to watch.
PrestoFortissimo: Roger, if you had an upcoming match against a 2007 Roger Federer, what would your strategy be to win and how do you think you would fare?
Well first, I hope I’m a better player today than I was back then. I feel like I’m a more complete player today. Although my game hasn’t changed much, my experience would allow me fewer mistakes and the ability to deal with challenges a little bit easier.
happylookout: Hey Rog. Can I call you Rog?
yes.
Main draw play begins Sunday May 26. Watch full coverage of Roland Garros 2013 (French Open) on FF07tv. View the full draw here. See Roger Federer’s Nike outfit for Roland Garros (French Open) here.
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