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A few years ago I had an idea for a unique feature: To ask ATP and WTA players if they overslept and were defaulted out of the US Open, would they cheer for any other players to win? The responses were quite interesting…

Janko Tipsarevic: “Novak. Novak for sure. (Why?) First of all, he’s a dear friend and second of all, I really want to see someone getting involved in the Federer-Nadal rivalry and the race who is to be no. 1 and no. 2.”

Francesca Schiavone: “Justine (Henin). Because she’s a complete player. She has every shot. She has mind. I respect her.”

Juan Martin Del Potro: “Roger again. Or some Argentine players. (Why Roger?) Because he’s the best [smiles].”

Jurgen Melzer: “Oh, that’s a tough one. But I think I would root for Roger. He’s a nice guy. We know each other since juniors. We’re the same age. It’s unreal for Roger.”

Martina Hingis: “You don’t want to see anybody else but yourself holding the trophy. I’m sorry. I can’t give another answer.”

Feliciano Lopez: “Any of the Spaniards I guess. Rafa.”

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: “[Long pause]…….I don’t know…… Marat Safin. (Why?) Because since some years he’s not playing very well in slams. So it would be fun to see him in the final or semifinal.”

Marcos Baghdatis: “Nobody. No. (One of your friends?) No friends [smiles].”

Peng Shuai: “I never really think of that question… I just think of why I lose or my next training and what I have to train and just good luck for everyone. It’s really tough to cheer for anyone. Every tournament has different players around.”

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