Roger Federer discussed his big brother friendship with Stan Wawrinka yesterday after defeating Tiafoe 75 63 and revealed some interesting tidbits of info…
“I think when Stan cracked the top fifty I felt like he didn’t need as much guidance or as much advice really. You know, when he doesn’t call you or text you before certain matches anymore, big matches, and he goes on and causes the upset or he goes on and does really well for himself with his team and his coach, that’s when you sensed that he’s moved on. That’s what you want.”
“What I like about Stan, he used to always take two steps forward one step back, two steps forward one step back. He keeps doing that. I admire him with his work ethic and his power that he’s brought to the game.”
Sounding almost fatherly, Federer further elaborated on the top seed here at Miami Open. “He’s shown through hard work, physical and mental improvements, how far you can get. He’s got a legendary career. Basically Hall of Fame career really. So it’s amazing to see for me who has witnessed so much firsthand. I’m really happy for him.”
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Scoop Malinowski · March 26, 2017 at 1:11 pm
Federer is almost viewed as a father by all the players. Check out this quote by Tiafoe… “Hes my idol. Hes everyones idol. People still on Tour in the locker room stare at him. Hes an absolute legend. We hope he never retires because hes such a good ambassador for the sport.”
Dan markowitz · March 27, 2017 at 7:27 am
Fed v Delpo should be a real good one today. Excellent match between Fognini and Chardy today. A couple of Italians in Fog’s box were roaring as Fabio came back from a set deficit to win 6-4 in third. Chardy has one of the biggest forehands in the game. I was sitting w Scoop at court side in some pretty intense heat and Fabio fought off two break points in final game to secure win. On the penultimate point of the match, Fabio ran down a shot and ended up right in front of ballboy who he grandly gestured and shouted to: “Yeah!” When he won point. Fabio was super hustling throughout match that he had to call the trainer out to twice and it was that hustle that made you Chardy just miss a crucial drop volley just wide as he tried to feather it too thin.
I did try to watch a woman’s singles match, Townsend v Kuzntsova, but Taylor being coached by Donald Young Sr who’s about as stoic as imaginable just looked bland. She has good hands, but her movement and weak serve are detriments. I saw Kyrgios on the grounds and in Player’s Cafe and everywhere he was he had his player girlfriend in his arms. I’ve never seen a player holding his gf or holding hands with her everywhere on site. The two seem to really enjoy each other’s company. Sat next to Nishikori in Playrr’s Cafe after his win owner Verdasco and he was eating sheets of seaweed that he was wrapping around white rice. There was no protein in the meal at all. Talked to John Peers who is now no 1 in world with Kontinen after winning Aussie O. Good tournament for Americans so far w DY, Sock, JD, izzie and QBall still alive. Saw QBall play doubles today and he has slow reactions. Ivan Dodig was on other side of net and he’s an amazing doubles players as is Granollers his partner.
Not a big fan of the setup here at Miami Open as it’s not an open plaza like arrangement where you can walk the grounds and see many courts st same time. All the courts are set off by big fences except for practice courts so you can only watch one match at a time.