F1 star George Russell revealed Roger Federer was the tennis player he ‘most followed’. Federer, a former 20-time Grand Slam champion, was Mercedes’ global ambassador during his playing days and watched the Barcelona Grand Prix last year.
In Formula 1, Russell competes for Mercedes. “I really enjoy watching tennis. I always watch the big games. I think Roger has always been the one I’ve followed the most. He came to the Barcelona Grand Prix last year and he always gave us so much time.
I also went to the Laver Cup,” Russell said in Monte Carlo.
Russell had the opportunity to watch and meet Novak Djokovic
On Tuesday, Russell was in Monte Carlo after the Masters tournament. For the first time, Russell had the opportunity to see Djokovic live.
Djokovic, seeded at No. 1, had a tougher job than expected in his first match as he defeated qualifier Ivan Gakhov 7-6(5), 6-2. After the match, Russell caught up with Djokovic and asked him how he was feeling after the match.
“It was good. It’s a solid start but it could always be better. Perfection is that level where you try to be better, to improve.”replied Djokovic Russell then said to Djokovic: “What I find so difficult for you guys is, especially when you’re playing the second, third or fourth[turn]you never know timings.” Djokovic explained: “It’s a challenge and today I waited maybe an hour and a half or two longer than I expected.
Then you ask yourself, ‘Should I warm up or cool down’, and that makes you a little bit anxious.” Djokovic played his first match on clay this year. Last year, Djokovic suffered a shock defeat to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his first match in Monte Carlo.
That year, Djokovic struggled in his first match but managed to win in straight sets and avoid an early elimination.
