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Roger Federer – a popular and busy man.
He actually wanted to go skiing on Sundays, a hobby Roger Federer has always neglected in favor of his long career. “But it wasn’t in time,” he says with a smile. It’s around midnight. And as always, the tennis superstar endures a marathon of interviews and poses for countless selfies. After receiving the honorary award for her glorious achievements at the Sports Awards Gala. “A great honor,” the 41-year-old obediently says, “especially since this award has not been awarded for 15 years and Adolf Ogi.”
Note, though, that he would have preferred to receive the award for an active year in the sport, as he has done ten times in recent years. However, he went to Mujinga Kambundji for women and Marco Odermatt for men. And because of Federer’s presence, the Sportsman of the Year election – the culmination of December’s annual event – becomes almost a secondary matter.
Honor Award for Master: Federal Councilor Amherd comes for the honour(00:31)
The Maestro steals the show
The shining light of Swiss sport once again eclipses everyone. Not that anyone would blame him: even the other sports greats feel honored just to be in the same room with King Roger. And not that this is Federer’s intention.
On the contrary: He doesn’t really like being the center of attention on stage after an already too tense show in terms of time. He also emphatically says, “I always regret that only one wins the award and the others are the losers—all nominees deserve it for their achievements.”
Roger Federer’s luxury problems. Were he not to come, following his retirement from the Laver Cup in London some 100 days ago, he would still grudgingly await an official farewell at home. If he comes, he steals the show from others. He was offered a live broadcast, just as he had done several times during his pre-season preparations from Dubai. “But I don’t think you should be doing it from Switzerland,” explains Roger. And this time the Olympic downhill champion Corinne Suter, who had been tuned in live from St. Moritz a quarter of an hour earlier, is particularly offside…
Radiant winner Odermatt: “I feel more comfortable in running gear than in a suit”(01:48)
The surprise guest enters the side door
Well, SRF, viewers, nominees, journalists and the public – certainly also national ice hockey coach Patrick Fischer, who is his seat neighbor in Studio 1 – are happy that the Maestro is there in person . All too soon came what forced the organizers to improvise. Why should Federer actually be unexpectedly introduced with drums and trumpets during the show. But it arrived half an hour before the broadcast started.
“Unlike Wimbledon, at least I was admitted here without any problems.”Roger Federer
So he was spontaneously invited to follow the show from the audience seats. The surprise guest was smuggled in through the side door of the Leutschenbach. Not to avoid the media and the “golden carpet”, mind you. “Now I’m still talking to you,” Roger jokes later into the Blick TV microphone. And he continues to joke: “Unlike Wimbledon, at least here I was admitted without problems.”
Last week, Federer revealed to presenter Trevor Noah that he was slowed down by security personnel at the gates of the hallowed ‘All England Club’. He was also in New York to attend a Brooklyn Nets NBA game. “Following big sport as a fan is one of the things I enjoy after my tennis career,” he says. Of course, he also wants to be a good dad to his four children.
Kambundji after re-election: “I would give the prize to my friend”(01:02)
No quiet December
A wanted dad who has by no means lost his star status, which is why he continues to fly around the world with enthusiasm. Before New York, he played a show match in Japan for his supplier Uniqlo. And he accompanied his family to Geneva, where he himself had a sponsorship appointment and where his wife Mirka and their twins participated in the traditional “Course de l’Escalade” race. A trip to Paris is planned for next week before the busy Christmas with the family.
And in the midst of this spontaneous performance in Zurich. “Actually, not much has changed since my resignation,” says Federer, who continues to train to keep fit. “Maybe the crash will come at some point. But I’m feeling really good right now.” Say that and disappear into the great room for a drink after the party. Till the next selfie marathon.
