Roger Federer: Atmosphere is a bit like before a final
Roger Federer commented on how it felt to see a packed Philippe Chatrier stadium again in his first round win over Lorenzo Sonego.
The world no. 3 said: "Up till now, I felt that it had been rather quiet. The stadium was closed. When I trained here throughout the week, I didn't get the media. I don't know why. They were doing something else. But when I got to the Lenglen yesterday, it was full of Rafa, Novak, and myself. It was the first time that the public really saw me, and I could feel that the atmosphere was different from what it is elsewhere when sometimes they start chanting your name when you're training or today when I got there, there was a lot of encouragement. So it's a bit like before a final. You feel that it's different from another week of tennis or just another tournament. I don't know. I feel that the public missed me, and I missed them, as well. So 10 or 20 years later or after not playing here for many years, there was some buzz, which I could feel on the central court when I was training and when I was playing today. So it was rather cool, rather pleasant, and I really loved the welcome I got on the court. I hope that it continues like this."
Federer is about to turn 38 years old. Asked if he knew they have a 13-year difference, Sonego replied: "I did not know that. And anyway I do not care. At least on the court, I would say his age is great and a few months ago he won his 101st title. I train with Matteo Berrettini. We play together all days when I am in Paris."
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2JEYvGZ
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