The Best (And Worst) Of Roger Federer’s Reddit AMA

It’s been quite a 24 hours for the usually reserved Roger Federer. Yesterday the father of two joined twitter. Today, he did logged on to the popular internet service reddit to conduct an AMA (Ask Me Anything). And the users did just that.

Here’s are some of the highlights of Federer’s 2+ hour “appearance” on reddit:
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Roger, if you had an upcoming match against a 2007 Roger Federer, what would your strategy be to win and how do you think you would fare?
[–]iamrogerfederer[S] 922 points 1 hour ago
Well first, I hope I’m a better player today than I was back then. I feel like I’m a more complete player today. Although my game hasn’t changed much, my experience would allow me fewer mistakes and the ability to deal with challenges a little bit easier.

What do you think is the biggest plus about Switzerland, besides the flag?
[–]iamrogerfederer[S] 582 points 1 hour ago
It’s one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever seen. So worthwhile to visit. And the people are very accepting and genuine. I also like the fact that there are so many different languages. In such a small country, we have an incredible amount of diversity and influences from abroad. Also, great chocolate. Mountains. Cheese. Rivers. Lakes. Pretty much everything. Just move there.

Are you ever planning on bringing back Darth Federer? Fans love the all black night outfit.
[–]iamrogerfederer[S] 1411 points 2 hours ago
I really loved that outfit. Under the lights in NYC. All black. That was awesome. No plans yet to bring it back yet.. but we’ll see.

What was your toughest match ever?
[–]iamrogerfederer[S] 434 points 1 hour ago
Hewitt in Davis Cup 03.
Del Potro in Olympics 2012.
Roddick Wimbledon 09.
Nalbandian 05 World Tour Finals, final.
Rafa Wimbledon 2008. One of the great matches I’ve been apart of.

Dear Roger, if there was one rule of tennis you could alter, what would it be?
[–]iamrogerfederer[S] 905 points 2 hours ago
A rule that would only let ME serve from the service line. Whenever I want. Seems fair to me :)
On a serious note: we should get some more Best of 5 set finals back (like at the ATP World Tour finals).

If you could play doubles with one player living or dead who would it be and why?
[–]iamrogerfederer[S] 572 points 2 hours ago
My three choices would be John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, and Rod Laver. From a historical perspective it would be really fun to play doubles with them as they are all legends.

What are some of your pre-match rituals?
[–]iamrogerfederer[S] 555 points 2 hours ago
Arrive on time at the courts. Pretty crucial so I don’t miss my match.
Warmup and hit for 30min.
Go for lunch or dinner. A light meal (pasta, for instance)
Get my ankles taped.
Stretch.
Warm up and match time

How do you keep your hair so perfect?
[–]iamrogerfederer[S] 1060 points 2 hours ago
I really don’t. I fight it every day like everybody else. But thanks.

How many cows do you own now?
[–]iamrogerfederer[S] 203 points 1 hour ago
Unfortunately they both have left us :(

You and Rafa filmed a commercial advertising charity matches. In this clip, you could not hold your laughter at all. The same thing happened when Pedro Pinto interviewed you for CNN International. Is spanish your Achilles Heel?
[–]iamrogerfederer[S] 415 points 2 hours ago
Re: Rafa Commercial:
It’s funny I actually spoke to Rafa yesterday about that commercial. We had a close moment again yesterday at a Nike appearance. He insists it must have been because of his spanish accent. He couldn’t start a sentence without me already cracking up. It was a hilarious 5min for all of us.
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The concept in AMA’s is for fans or those interested to be able to get answers to any question asked, but while Federer didn’t answer all the tough questions (he had over 5,500 comments), he did a good job this close to the start of a Grand Slam.

However, here are a few of the questions he didn’t answer – quite tame by reddit standards:

Roger! I would like to know the funniest thing a player has ever said to you when you’ve finished a match, and shook hands at the net.

Bro,do you believe in Sky fairies?

If you were to learn a new language, what would it be and why?

Wow he left & trolled us all

Not tennis related, what’s your favorite type of sushi?

how would you explain yourself about your recent failures??

Why is the Swiss-German word for ‘kitchen cupboard’ so weird?

Did you ever think about growing a mustache? I think you could have a tremendous mustache.

Do you like cheesecake?

Would you father (edit: rather) fight one Cilic sized Agassi, or ten Agassi sized Cilics?

What inspired you to write the Federalist Papers?

Have you ever heard a player fart in the middle of a match?

Who’s the hottest professional female tennis player?

Is it true all the ladies like Lindt Lindor Truffles and why would you carry a duffel bag full of them? They would melt obviously.

Which female tennis player are you most sexually attracted to?

Will you please acknowledge my existence?

What’s the hardest you’ve ever been hit in the nuts with a tennis ball?

Roger, would you go to the moon if you had the chance? Do you have any plans for space travel?