DPA/Dubai
Roger Federer was preparing for a Monday evening showdown on the IPTL circuit with his usual professionalism, with the Swiss convinced that his match against Ivo Karlovic would be more than a mere pay-for-play exhibition.
The 17-time Grand Slam winner is competing in three ties for the UAE Royals, with the 34-year-old coming off a run last week in India for the Dubai side and set to finish off his commitment at his home Gulf training base.
His UAE team opens with a Monday tie against the Philippine Mavericks followed by a clash on Tuesday against Singapore, with Andy Murray, and a Wednesday meeting with the Japan Warriors. The league concludes this weekend with the finals in Singapore.
Federer got a taste of the fan excitement in India as he was beaten by Rafael Nadal, a match which created huge excitement on the subcontinent.
“The question is what is an exhibition? There is a kids’ day exhibition in Australia Nickelodeon style, obviously where you hit and giggle with Scooby Doo, you know,” said Federer when asked if the series was merely another hit-about. “This is not Scooby Doo, so clearly we are playing serious tennis.
“You have 15,000 people who are serious about tennis, so it is a question of who is in the crowd. Is the crowd filled with 10-year-olds because it’s the kids’ day or is it because people want to see great tennis and support the Indian Aces and the UAE Royals? Depends on how you see it, to me it is serious tennis with the fun aspect of playing for your team.”
The Swiss said he was especially impressed by the legends (Goran Ivanisevic, Carlos Moya and Marat Safin) who are taking part in the event, which features men’s and women’s singles, doubles and legends, all in a one-set format.
“It’s played with great spirit and fair-play. And seeing the legends play in the team, it is phenomenal to see them. I would like to give them a shout out for playing so well because I think it is really hard for them to do what they are doing.
“Personally, I love it, so call it an exhibition or not, I don’t know what it is but it is a fun concept and that’s why I am back here again,” said Federer.
