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Wednesday, January 10, 2001
Live Chat with Roger Federer
By BigPond
Edited transcript of the Live Chat with Roger Federer on Wednesday Jan 10th 2001
Interviewer: Good evening everyone, today we are chatting to Roger Federer winner of the Hopman Cup. Hi Roger how are you?
Roger Federer: I'm very good, I had a great game so I’m very happy about my day
Interviewer: How did it feel winning the singles in the Hopman Cup?
Roger Federer: It was like my first title it was great to win along side Martina and an in event like the Hopman Cup.
Interviewer: Did you feel disappointed at your results in the mixed doubles with Martina Hingis?
Roger Federer: The final result was not important and didn't matter to us, it was a lot of fun.
Interviewer: How old were you when you started playing tennis?
Roger Federer: I was about 4 when I first started hitting the ball I think, I don't really remember.
Interviewer: leesa: who’s the toughest player your feel you have come against?
Roger Federer: I played Andre Agassi in 98 when playing the junior, he was just too good and I really felt a big difference
Interviewer: When did you realise that tennis was going to be your career?
Roger Federer: Well when I quite school at 16
and stuck to tennis and when I finished number 1 junior in 98. I knew
then I had to stop playing the juniors and start playing on the pro
tour.
Interviewer: who are your idols?
Roger Federer: Before it was Becker, Edberg,
then Sampras. Now I’m playing for myself so I don’t' really have idols
any more. I do like watching Rios though.
Interviewer: If you were to retire playing
tennis tomorrow would you feel you have achieved all that you have
wanted to achieve in your career?
Roger Federer: Tough questions, my career has
just started and I feel like there is a lot left. I've never won a
title so I would want to have done that. Interviewer: sim: what's the best thing about being a professional tennis player?
Roger Federer: To travel the world, see
beautiful cities, different cultures, I think its just a great job to
have *laughs* its my hobby and profession so that’s a dream come true.
Interviewer: missbomber: Are there any players you modelled your game on growing up?
Roger Federer: No, not really, I think
imitating players doesn't help tactic wise. You could but it’s not
good, but you can learn from other players.
Interviewer: nessa: who is the highest ranked player you have beaten?
Roger Federer: umm Kieffer when he was number
4, Moya when he was number 4, that’s all that comes to mind, ooh, and
Norman when he was number 3.
Interviewer: Dominik: apart from the other Swiss players who are your friends on tour?
Roger Federer: Hrbaty, Vincigueria, Rochus.... DePasquale, Koubek... there are a few
Interviewer: Deuce: have you played against Lleyton Hewitt and what do you think of his game?
Roger Federer: He's a very tough opponent to
have because he makes you run a lot. I've played him 4 times and I lost
3 times but won the last one, 7-6 in the 3rd
Interviewer: leesa: what goes through your mind on breaks between games?
Roger Federer: I think about the game , the game plan, the tactics, relax, breathe and try to get the pulse down yet still stay focused.
Interviewer: missbomber: What do you think are the biggest strengths of your game?
Roger Federer: My ability to play every shot, my serve, and forehand maybe. I have a good sense of feeling the game.
Interviewer: leesa: do you have any bad habits you feel you have while playing tennis?
Roger Federer: I get pissed off sometimes. if
that’s a bad habit I don't know, nothing else comes to mind. my temper
has become better over the years though.
Interviewer: Deuce: Switzerland isn't exactly well known as a tennis country, do you and Martina Hingis have a lot of support back home?
Roger Federer: The main sports in Switzerland
are hockey and soccer. Tennis is pretty big now with Martina being
number 1 so I think its ok... we had some problems during the Davis Cup
and tennis was struggling for a while back home.
Interviewer: Dominik: Just so you know I'm
the one who asked you about playing doubles with Dominik Hrbaty after
your practise session on Monday, do you remember me? I’m just wondering
what is Dominik like on and off the court, who are his friends on the
tour?, also is singles the priority for both of you and how serious do
use take your doubles?
Roger Federer: He is one of my best friends on
the tour. He's a very funny guy off the court and we decided to play
doubles together because we get on well both on and off the court but
yes, we do take our doubles seriously. Interviewer: Hingis-federerfan: Is mixed double harder or easier than doubles?
Roger Federer: That depends on the partner,
with Martina its very easy because she plays so well. You have more
time when you play to the girls, they play a little bit slower and give
you a little more time to react. In the men’s doubles everything goes
so quick, so I guess it is easier for us men
Interviewer: Deuce: Is this your first visit to Australia and are you enjoying your stay?
Roger Federer: I have been to Australia a few
times. The first time was on vacation about 4 years ago, then I came
back for the Australian Open Juniors and the Australian Open
Qualifying. This is about my 5th time. I was also at the Olympics and I
have been to Perth 2 times but this is the first time to the
International.
Interviewer: Essendon: G'Day Roger, I was
just wondering If you have seen Australian Rules football before? And
if yes, what do you think of it?
Roger Federer: I have been once in Melbourne
but I don't remember the team. My ex coach peter carter knows an aussie
rules footy player, well I met him and he organized for us to go to the
locker room. I don't understand the rules though, maybe I’ll go another
time and see how it goes.
Interviewer: funky_nik: Do you think one day you could make it to #1??
Roger Federer: Well, it is very tough to get to
number 1. I think it needs a lot of work but it’s for sure my dream and
hope I get to do it, or at least get close to it.
Interviewer: deano: roger how long do you practice on average?
Roger Federer: It depends if your at a
tournament or at home practicing. At home I practice 3-4 hours a day,
at a tournament I practice 1-2, it depends if I have a match or not.
Interviewer: Are you on a special diet or can you eat whatever you like?
Roger Federer: I try not to drink coke or
soda's, I don't eat chocolate or sweets and I don't eat fish. I just
make sure I eat the right things
Interviewer: ame: which grand slam would you like to win the most?
Roger Federer: Wimbledon :)
Interviewer: matt: do you have any grudge matches, against anyone on the tour?
Roger Federer: I always like to play Hewitt
because its always a great fight on the court. It’s always about 3 sets
and its just good to play him. Interviewer: missbomber: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Roger Federer: I like to relax, watch TV, listen to music, cinema, play golf sometimes, go to dinner with friends and have a good time
Interviewer: Deuce: OK I have to ask: do players get weak in the knees when Anna Kournikova is on court?
Roger Federer: As players we don't, well that’s what I heard *laughs*
Interviewer: ame: have you ever had a funny incident while playing tennis?
Roger Federer: I don't know, .... ummm... there
was one time, I was practicing with my friend. This bird landed on the
net, he didn't see it and served, he knocked the bird down. I couldn't
believe it, there was feathers everywhere and I had to laugh.
Interviewer: Hingis-federerfan: Do you think it is a good strategy for a player to state publicly that he or she will win a tournament?
Roger Federer: It depends how much confidence a person has *laughs*
Interviewer: deano: roger - what kind of car do you have?
Roger Federer: I have an Opel at home.
Interviewer: matt: do you set yourself goals? or do you just go with the flow?
Roger Federer: You have to set yourself goals
and the coach knows what you want to achieve. My goal this year is to
break top 15 and to win my first title.
Interviewer: tequila-sunrise: which is your preferred court surface to play on?
Roger Federer: Indoors - hard..... anything that’s indoors is good to me, I like the grass but my game isn't so great.
Interviewer: funky_nik: Hi Roger, I play
tennis myself I was wondering can I improve on my game by hitting on a
wall or do I need someone to hit with me?
Roger Federer: It depends on how old you are,
when your pretty young its good to play on the wall. The wall doesn't
make any errors and if your a beginner its ok too, it depends on how
good you want to get. The wall isn't too bad but you have to mix it up
a bit.
Interviewer: Are your family tennis fans and if so, do they come and watch you play?
Roger Federer: My parents both played a little
tennis. They follow my results of course, they don’t' travel around but
they come to the ones in Switzerland or the French open. It’s just my
coach who comes with me, Peter Lundgen Interviewer: lleytons_chick: if you could play double with any one player you've never played with, who would you chose?
Roger Federer: Pete Sampras
Interviewer: do: roger, how do you think you will go if you have to play Lleyton Hewitt?
Roger Federer: We could play in the semi's if we both win. It will be very interesting I think........ SO COME OUT AND WATCH *laughs*
Interviewer: lleytons_chick: when you were younger, who did you practice with?
Roger Federer: with my coach, with everyone, wall, cupboards, garage doors.... everything, not windows though *laughs*
Interviewer: maydec: I enjoyed the Hopman Cup and will be going there for the next tournament. How do you rate the Hopman Cup?
Roger Federer: It was a great event, I loved it, I really hope to go back and defend my title with Martina.
Interviewer: tequila-sunrise: who is one player you have never played against before, that you would really like to play against?
Roger Federer: Pete Sampras
Interviewer: Deuce: Being Swiss do you like skiing and do you get time to do it?
Roger Federer: I like cheese *laughs* I like skiing at little, but not too much, its too cold for me. I like the beach and sun.
Interviewer: Do you get recognised when you walk down the street, does that feel weird if you get fans coming up to you?
Roger Federer: It depends where I am. Back in
my hometown I do get recognised and it’s a weird feeling. In Perth I
was recognised at the end of the tournament, it was a happening place
with the Hopman cup. Here nobody knows me though so I can walk around,
it’s a nice feeling.
Interviewer: gigi: how effective do you feel are two-handed shots over the conventional one hand?
Roger Federer: Its a different style. You have
less reach with a double hand, the one handed players have a better
volley and a better slice. I don't know if it’s an advantage or
disadvantage but there are a lot of guys using the double handed. I can
not hit a double handed, I’m terrible at it
Interviewer: lleytons_chick: out of all the hot new young players, who do u think has the most potential to be number one?
Roger Federer: Safin, Ferrero maybe, Hewitt, myself, I don't know *laughs*
Interviewer: Dominik: where do you live, during tournaments do u ever room with other players?
Roger Federer: Very rarely do I share with other players, I normally have a single room and I live in Switzerland
Interviewer: maydec: With the Hopman Cup,
Martina seemed to look forward to winning the diamond studded tennis
trophy more so than the money. Is this true?
Roger Federer: yes she was very happy to win
the diamond ball we got which was worth $30,000. In her mind it was
worth more than the actual paycheck we got.
Interviewer: Duke: Will you be partnering Martina in the mixed at the Aus.Open, or do you both have other commitments?
Roger Federer: She will play the women’s
doubles with Monica Seles, and I will play the men’s doubles with
Hrbaty. We haven't talked about it as three is a lot to play but we
will talk and see what we gotta do.
Interviewer: Deuce: a sport gear producer
said the player is 99% the equipment is the missing 1% - do you use
special shoes, custom rackets etc?
Roger Federer: For me its important what I
wear: . I want to look good in my clothes and so far I’m happy with
Nike and Wilson, so that’s about it.
Interviewer: matt: what do you think is the hardest shot in tennis?
Roger Federer: Most definitely the serve, it travels at over 200 km per hour
Interviewer: gigi: do u feel that a strong serve will always be advantageous, or can people still have a Ken Rosewall slice serve?
Roger Federer: It's so tough to compare now.
The material has changed so much and I think Ken Rosewall would serve
different now. All the guys at the top have great serves, so what can I
say. Interviewer: Roger: Hi there Roger! I´ m
a great fan of tennis, and I would like your opinion on the proposal to
remove the second serve. Do you think that would improve the play in
general?
Roger Federer: No, I think we should stick to
the rules the way they are now. Enough people are interested in 2 man
tennis and there is no need to change the game. They are already trying
to have bigger balls but players are getting hurt. If you want to
change it then go back to the old rules, but don't try and come up with
new stuff.
Interviewer: lleytons_chick: if you weren’t a tennis player what would you be?
Roger Federer: maybe a soccer player, I played till I was 14 then I had to decided, tennis or soccer, picked tennis and so that was it.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time Roger,
we wish you all the best in your future games - are there any final
comments you would like to make to the fans?
Roger Federer: thanks for the cool chat we
had, hopefully you will come and watch at the international, if not,
where ever you are in the world, cheer for me
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