Roger Federer has won the ATP fan favorite award since 2003 to 2017- nobody has come close to winning this award in 15 years. This solidifies the claim that nobody in tennis has a more global presence and a bigger aura than Roger Federer. The Swiss has millions of followers across all social media platforms and also has a huge following, even during his practice sessions. Federer appreciates the fans’ gestures and says that if it was not for his fans he would have stopped playing tennis long back.

“In Serbia, a fan of mine showed “RF” tattoo on his calf,‘ Federer said with a smile, during his press conference in Shanghai. “In Buenos Aires a guy took his t-shirt off and on the pecs, there was a tattoo featuring my face”, he continued. “It was really big. Let’s say it’s a very particular thing. This thing surprises me every time I get to places where tennis is a less popular game like in Europe or United States,‘ he admitted. ‘When I went to Ethiopia for my Foundation, they recognized me on the street.

“When I went to South America, 150 fans were waiting for me outside the hotel. It’s crazy”, continued Federer. Federer also said that he was not famous as a person but as a tennis player. “I did not become famous all of sudden like it happened with Boris Becker at 17 years”, said the Australian Open champion. “I do not feel myself as a famous figure. I am first of all a tennis player. My successes makes me popular, not my image.”

The Swiss maestro also said that despite being interactive with the fans, he often likes to have some privacy as well. “Sometimes when I meet people they are always very nervous and anxious to see me. I try to keep calm and to calm down them as well”he said. “But there are moments when you would like to avoid certain situations. Fans always know that they can meet me on tennis courts, I like to sign autographs or take photos together. But sometimes you have to respect privacy”, he added.

Federer will feature next in the Basel Open, and will take a decision on if he plays at the Paris masters 1000 or not. Roger has made it clear that he will be playing next year and will be vying for the big titles as he eyes Jimmy Connors’s all time record of 109 titles. Read about it here : Roger Federer: ‘I Would Love to Get to 100 Titles’