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Tuesday June 26, 2001
10 Questions
Roger Federer talks about his favorite tournament
By CNN/Sports Illustrated
Swiss sensation Roger Federer is experiencing a breakthrough in 2001. He currently ranks seventh in the ATP Champions Race, and at age 19, promises to be one of the brightest stars on tour for many years. No stranger to grass courts, Federer won the junior titles at Wimbledon in singles and doubles in 1998.
The ATP's Player of the Month for February with a 14-2 match record, Federer took the title in Milan and fell in the finals of the ATP event in Rotterdam.
He won all three matches in Switzerland's 2001 Davis Cup tie vs. the United States and has reached the quarterfinals of two Masters Series events this season: The Ericsson Open and TMS Monte Carlo. Federer was also a quarterfinalist at Roland Garros, falling to eventual runner-up Alex Corretja.
1. What makes Wimbledon dramatic and exciting for you as a player? For me it's the most prestigious tournament of the Grand Slams. I haven't played on Centre Court, but I played on the new Court 1 last year and it was great.
2. What is your most dramatic/greatest memory of Wimbledon? I reached the doubles quarterfinals last year, and I also won the juniors, singles and doubles, which are great memories.
3. What do you do outside of practice during Wimbledon? There isn't really too much to do. I'm staying in a house with my coach in Wimbledon.
4. What is your conditioning routine? I usually go for some running 20 minutes before the match, trying to get my body warm.
5. What is it like to play on grass versus other surfaces? The footwork is very different on grass. You have to be very smooth. You need an all-around game on grass.
6. What advice would you give to young tennis players? Just work hard and enjoy the tennis. You are going to go through some tough times, but try to stay positive.
7. What is your favorite tennis major and why? Wimbledon, because it's the most traditional and classic. It's also the best-known tournament and it's on grass. We don't have too many opportunities to play on grass.
8. Who is your most inspirational player? I like Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and Pete Sampras.
9. Do you have any hobbies? I really like listening to music and playing the Play Station. I really enjoyed deep-sea fishing in South Africa with my godfather in December 1999. We were fishing for marlin, but weren't too successful.
10. If you weren't a tennis player, what would you be? I don't know -- I might have become a good soccer player.
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