Federer urges fellow players to embrace the media

Switzerland’s Roger Federer waves to the crowd as he leaves the court after losing to Belgium’s David Goffin during their men’s singles semi-final match on day seven of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London on November 18, 2017.
David Goffin won 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. / AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRK

Roger Federer has urged his fellow professionals to act themselves and not as robots during media interviews to keep tennis interesting for the sporting public.

The Swiss star is a consummate media performer and regularly conducts his post-match interviews in multiple languages for the large global press contingent that hang on his every word.

The 19-time Grand Slam champion says some of his fellow players struggle with their media obligations, fearful of being misinterpreted.

“I feel they’re fearful of you guys (media) just because they feel they have been misinterpreted in the past,” he told reporters after his straight sets opening round win over Aljaz Bedene at the Australian Open on Tuesday.

“The power of the microphone is a funny thing. Some players I think struggle with it.

“I would like to see more players just being really themselves in front of the press, being more relaxed about it, not worrying so much about making mistakes.

“You’d rather see that than robots left, right and centre.

“I feel like sometimes some players have gotten a little bit too robot-like. I wish they would let loose and be themselves. I try to always do that. It’s not always easy, but I try hard.”

Federer said he was conscious of trying to “give it a little bit something extra” during his media interviews to keep the public interested and reporters happy.

“I’ve maybe said a few too many things sometimes, but I try to be honest. For the most part it’s served me well,” he said.

“I’ve always tried to remain myself as well. It’s always been a challenge not to change over time but adapt to the new situation of being higher ranked, being asked interesting questions over the years.

“I know you guys have a job to do. I also have to do it. I felt like sometimes we overdo it.”