ATP: After five years, Roger Federer keeps promises made to boys who were seven at the time
On the one hand, a successful PR campaign is on the other hand a wonderful story - Roger Federer makes a 12-year-old tennis junior the happiest boy in the world.
by Stefan Bergmann
last edit: Aug 11, 2022, 12:03 pm
A day like in a fairy tale - or as the 12-year-old Zizou himself said "the best day of my life". And at that point the biggest surprise for the tennis junior had not yet been revealed... But first things first: During a press conference at the US Open 2017 with Roger Federer, the only seven-year-old Izyan "Zizou" Ahmad spoke up and presented the cheeky question: "Can you please keep playing for eight, nine years so that I can play against you when I'm a pro?"
A few laughs or smirks later, the very young US boy had at least picked up a "pinky promise" - a small promise - from the maestro. He knows whether “Zizou” five years later, when he was officially invited to a few training days in Switzerland, but unofficially enchanted by Federer sponsor “Barilla” with an event full of guaranteed memories, still had this encounter in the present potpourri of thoughts probably only himself.
In any case, "Zizou" is treated like a superstar once he's reached the Confederates, grown-up "fans" ask for a selfie with him and a bunch of young followers burst into chants. And then the highlight: Roger Federer appears, hugs the young "star" and plays a match against the boy who is struggling with his emotions. The two of them are silent about the result afterwards, but in fact this should be of secondary importance with such a beautiful story.
Sure - in the end the whole thing is "only" a PR campaign - but what a successful one!
Here is the spot in full length: