Roger Federer: Superman or just a normal guy?
Roger Federer commented on his "superhero" status on Media Day in Indian Wells - and why he was very lucky in the course of his career.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Mar 08, 2019, 08:04 am
"Pe RF ect" - this word is often used as a synonym for the Swiss championship player, so his game appears effortless and flawless to his fans.
However, Federer does not consider himself a man without fault and blame. "People often elevate superstar athletes to Superman stature as if we had supernatural powers," said the tennis tour's 100-time title holder during the Media Day before the tournament started . "Then you meet us and realize: 'This is just a normal guy - he is just great at what he does.'" Everyone has their weaknesses, the 37-year-old continues - he too. "To be perfect - there is no such thing."
One thing that makes Federer exceptionally "good": staying injury-free, which Federer's potential quarter-final opponent Kei Nishikori admires, who is often let down by his body. "He works so much harder than the others," says the Japanese, who also blames Federer's style of play for the Swiss man's freedom from injury. "It looks like he's not causing any stress to his body." For the many power players, on the other hand, it is damn difficult to stay injury-free.
Federer: Adolescence critical for injuries
Federer was hardly outside in the long term in his almost 20 professional years, at most his back tweaked from time to time - and after taking half a year off due to his meniscus tear at the beginning of the 2016 season and a bumpy comeback, he seems a bit fitter again before.
Federer himself blames happiness for his physical condition over the course of his career. Especially the years as a teenager, if you are not yet so professional, are critical - because you do not warm up after breaks in the rain or injure yourself while snowboarding. If you get through this time, be it good. "And when you have enough sleep, eat the right food, recover well, stick to your schedule, that helps."
It is also important to know your own body. Knowing what pain is and what pain is due to an injury - or what can lead to an injury. You have to know when to play through and when to take your foot off the gas. "At the end of the day, you need smart people around you to educate you in this direction."
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The record winner with Djokovic in Indian Wells
In Indian Wells, Federer is the record winner with Novak Djokovic, each with five titles. Most recently, he won against Stan Wawrinka in 2017. Last year he lost the final against Juan Martin del Potro despite three match balls.
After a walk-through at the start, the 20-time Major Champ meets Andreas Seppi or Peter Gojowczyk in this edition. Then it could go against Wawrinka.
Draw, TV times, prize money: All information about Indian Wells!