Roger Federer is excited to play in India
Can’t wait to play in India
17 time Grand slam champion Roger Federer, who is set to play in the inaugural International Premier Tennis League(IPTL) in December later this year, said that he is excited about coming to India and can’t wait to be there.
"I'm so incredibly excited to be going to India." he said
The 33-year old will be in New Delhi between December 6th to 8th and will play for the Indian Aces in the IPTL, which is the brainchild of Indian tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi.
"For me going to India is like going to South America, like I felt in my initial years.It feels unreal because you've wanted it to happen for so long, and then finally it's happening." Federer said.
Incredible India
He went to add that he was fascinated on hearing about different cultures of the country.
"I understand that the north of India is very different from the south, culturally, languages, the food you eat and the clothes you wear. It would be impossible to experience all of India at one go. Whenever I speak to Indians anywhere in the world I notice that they speak of their country with a great sense of pride, which is very nice, very sweet. You all have a great history”. he said
He also said that it was always his dream to play a tournament in India.
"Playing in India is something I've always dreamt of. But again my India trip will be so much more than just tennis. That's India really. It's got to be more than just tennis." he added.
The tournament fits my schedule
Owing to his busy schedule, the Swiss ace almost did not sign up for the league and thought about participating in it next year.
"I hadn't originally signed up for the IPTL, that part of the year was already busy for me and I thought that it would be better to wait out the first year and see how it goes. Then suddenly this opportunity came up and I thought why not? It fits perfectly, right in the middle of my training. I wasn't going to change my training schedule radically, because obviously I'm looking to get ready for the next season. I play in Delhi and then I go back to training and then I play my charity match with Stan (Wawrinka) in Switzerland. It all fits perfectly." he said.
He also said that age might represent only a number, but it does carry an importance with it.
“Age can be just a number, but it can be relevant too. For some reason I really felt it when I turned 33 in August. I was like noooooo! Not 33! I was perfectly fine with 30, 31, 32, actually enjoyed it, didn't feel anything at all, but this one... I was like, I don't feel 33.” he said.
Enjoy being in pressure situations
Speaking about his huge fan following across the globe, the 7 time Wimbledon champion said that he was aware about all the happenings on the court and was appreciative about playing his matches on the main courts on prime time hours of the day.
“When I walk out on a tennis court I am very aware of everything, I notice everything. I know who is cheering for me (which section of the stands), for my opponent. I notice when the crowd goes quiet, when they get excited. Like the fans here in China, they really get into the match. Like we saw in the semifinals (against Djokovic), they need a lot of good, point-ending shots.
They don't like it when people miss so much. They get a bit uncomfortable. I feel the energy they generate. Honestly for me that's an honour and a privilege. Pressure is part of the package. When I was young, starting out, that is what I wanted to do, play on all the centre courts of the world, of course you dream of being No. 1 and winning Wimbledon, but you also want to be on the main courts at prime time. That is every player's dream. Every match that I play now is on prime time and on centre court and I truly appreciate it.” he added.