Royalty Meets Greatness As Federer Advances

Written by: Staff on 21st January 2010

Royalty Meets Greatness As Federer Advances |

With Prince William on hand to watch Roger Federer cruise into the third round, you have to wonder, who was more excited to see whom?

Although, not every day a member of the Royal Family comes around, the World’s No. 1 has met his share of stars and celebs over the years. And frankly, earlier in his career he said he was more nervous when his family came around.

“[It] used to be my friends and parents early on,” Federer said after his straight sets Second Round win over Victor Hanescu, 6-2 6-3 6-2. “Then it goes other athletes, actors and musicians, Royal Highness. Just moves on. So I’ve had plenty. Obviously depends on the situation. Obviously having legends of the game watching, for me, is very nice always.

“But then, of course, where he comes from, you know, he knows tennis, and Wimbledon’s big, you know. So for me it was very ‑‑ I mean, a big honor that he came to watch me.”

Federer was able to chat with the Prince for a few minutes although he didn’t divulge everything, the Swiss Master did say, “he looked really happy coming to a sports venue. I think he’s had a very busy schedule the last few days. He shook a lot of hands, and I knew mine was one more. From what I’ve heard, I think he met Serena and myself, and came to watch my match.”

Even if Prince William was happy, for Federer this was just another day at the office. After getting a scare and not playing sharp in his first round match against Igor Andreev, he looked in control against Hansecu, pretty much cruising though out the hour and 39 minute match. With a first serve percentage of 82% (40 of 49), eight aces to just one double fault, the best player in the world looked pretty sharp.

“Against, let’s say lower‑ranked players outside of top 10, you do sometimes in the rally get a second chance; whereas against top players it’s pretty obvious how you going to play,” Federer said.

“That’s how my two opponents played. They know they have to step it up and not give me a chance in the rally. That’s why it’s dangerous for me to play against all these guys. They take huge cuts at the ball and nothing to lose. And if they win they are heroes, and if they lose, it’s an incredible experience.”

“From my standpoint, it obviously depends also on how the opponent plays. Today I was willing to go for more points and rallies where I decided I not to miss and only go for it if I’m perfectly set up. I think the tactic worked tonight.

“For the next round opponent, I definitely have to adjust my tactics again.”

And for the third round, Federer will be playing 31^st seed Albert Montanes of Spain, who beat France’s Stephane Robert in five sets, 4-6 6-7 2-6 3-6 2-6.

Topics: Aces, Best Player, Busy Schedule, Celebs, Double Fault, Greatness, Igor Andreev, Legends Of The Game, Opponents, Prince William, Ranked Players, Roger Federer, Royal Family, Royal Highness, Royalty, Scare, Second Chance, Straight Sets, Victor Hanescu, Wimbledon