Roger Federer: My popularity reached its peak in 2012
Roger Federer is a fan favorite wherever he goes and the Dubai Open is no exception. A packed stadium cheered for the Swiss in his first-round match against Philipp Kohlschreiber on Monday. In his post-match press conference, Federer said: "I do feel crowd support. They're doing the wave I guess to cheer me up today because I was down in the score in the second set. Mexican wave, I'm down in the score. Usually they do it when I'm in the lead (laughter). They were chanting my name, so I took it as a positive. I can't complain. I get amazing crowd support basically everywhere I go. That's a real treat. I thought I was maybe at my peak maybe 2012. I couldn't become more popular or get more crowd support. It has gotten better even from then on. Definitely one of the big reasons why I'm still also playing is to feel the crowd, to get close to them, try to hit good shots, try to put on a show. Tonight maybe was not quite that, but I'm still around, so I get a second chance on Wednesday."
Federer does not feel that, by supporting him, the crowd is showing a lack of respect for the player he is facing: "Tennis is very respectful in a sense. They're not whistling my opponent, booing him, whatever they're doing. So from that standpoint, I think it's okay. I don't feel bad because I've been on tour for a long, long time. I've done so many interviews. I am a more famous person because I've been playing for so long. Maybe naturally they get behind the more famous players, the more successful players, I'm not sure. I always try to make sure that they do respect my opponent. I didn't like when they kind of semi-booed him after he quickly smashed his racquet. I think it's quite comical when that happens. I think people should be excited when that happens. It's like a happening out there. Of course, he gets a warning. That's already punishment enough. It's all good. I don't think people really complain about it. The disturbing part is when people do it right before a serve or really do it to disrupt the opponent. As long as it's just cheering your favorite guy on, no problem. I've never had a problem if guys cheer on their player. It's a normal thing to do."
A few weeks ago, promoting the Laver Cup, Federer had shared a similar concept saying: "I get surprised of how many people take their time and go in places just to see me and continuing to encourage me to play."
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2EFvCXh
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