| By Chris Oddo |
Photo Credit: Tony Chang/Chang Photography |
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(March 22, 2012)—Roger Federer spent time talking with the media today in Miami as he prepared for the Sony Ericsson Open. The press conference was arranged to announce that Federer will pair with Gillette on a December exhibition tour with several stops in South America, including Brazil, Columbia, and possibly Argentina.
Federer is hoping to win back-to-back Indian Wells and Miami titles for a third time. He is already the only player to achieve the feat twice.
During the presser Federer hit on several subjects. Here are some snippets of what the 16-time Grand Slam champion had to say:
On his first meeting with Rafa in Miami
“You don't just come out and beat world No. 1 four and four. It just doesn't happen. You have to have something special to [do] it. Of course he was still a clay‑court player at that point, but that was hard court.
“I came with a sunstroke from Indian Wells fine, but I was starting to feel better and I was like ‑‑ didn't quite understand what just quite happened.
“But I knew he was very good, so I didn't underestimate him in any way, shape, or form. He just got me. So that was impressive.
On Fernando Gonzalez playing his last match:
“Fernando is a great champion. You know, I know him from the junior days. He's always been a great person. He never changed.
“I think that's also why he gets so much respect right now from all his fellow players, is because he's really well‑liked; probably one of the most incredible forehands we've ever seen. I was lucky enough to play against that forehand at times.
“I just think he was great for the game. You know, he carried over what Marcello Rios did in a great way, I guess, back in the day, you know, becoming world No. 1, first one from Chile, and then Fernando to, you know, have the burden of living up to that expectation with Nicolas Massu. I think they did really well.”
On Gustavo Kuerten’s induction to the International Tennis Hall of Fame
“Look, Guga for me was one of the great players we have had, maybe one of the greatest we've ever had in South America, particularly Brazil, which is such an emotional country, let's say, with such nice people. I mean, I was lucky enough to play against him at the French Open even where he had his biggest success.
To see him go at the end, you know, was sad because he was such a great asset for the game. He was so well‑liked by the media, I think, and as well, by fellow players, by fans.”
On his chances of winning his third Indian Wells-Miami double in Miami
“I'd love to win another double, Indian Wells and Miami. I've done it I think twice before. I know how to do it, but I know how difficult it is. Just because I'm playing well doesn't mean that the rest of the group is not.
“Well, I think you're going into a new tournament after winning one before with a lot of confidence, so that's the good thing. Do I feel more pressure? Not really, just because I have been around for so long that I know how to handle pressure situations.
“I'm not the defending champion here. I only have, if you like, a semifinals to defend. So things are going really well for me. It's about doing all the right things, being professional, you know, before the match, and hopefully sort of find a good way into the tournament. That's my first priority right now.”
On visiting Colombia for the first time
“Look, it's exciting. I remember playing juniors in Mexico, Costa Rica, Venezuela back in the day, probably '96. That's as close as I've gotten really to South America, obviously Venezuela, being there.
“But this is obviously special to go to new places. For a world traveler it's always exciting. People who know me know how much I love seeing in new people, new countries, and new cultures. Colombia is one of those places, so I'm really looking forward to that country and knowing a whole lot more.
“All the players I know are the friendliest guys on tour. I'm sure I'll have a great time over there.”
On the possibility of stopping in Argentina this winter
“We're hoping to put together an entire tour. This is the announcement for Brazil, that I will be playing two matches in Brazil. We don't know what cities yet and against whom exactly, but it's going to be happening at the beginning of December, Gillette Tour. I'm happy that one of my long‑time sponsors, Gillette, are sponsoring the tour.
“Colombia has announced as well that I will be playing in Colombia, so we are looking for maybe one or two more places to play.”