Federer Engages Young Fans at Laver Cup Weekend
In a delightful appearance for the Laver Cup weekend in San Francisco, tennis legend Roger Federer engaged young fans with impressive trick shots, including between-the-legs serves, leaving the children thrilled to hit the court with him. The 20-time Grand Slam winner was in town to participate in local festivities, including the inauguration of six refurbished tennis courts at John McLaren Park. This activity is part of the Laver Cup’s Community Legacy Project, which aims to leave a positive impact at every stop of the tournament.
Reflections and Connections
During the event, Federer shared laughs and strategies with Yannick Noah, the captain of Team Europe for the upcoming matches. Reflecting on his experiences in San Francisco, Federer expressed a longing to have played more frequently in a city he admires.
“Coming out to a public park like this, spending time with kids, and discussing tennis is incredibly rewarding,”
said the 44-year-old Swiss athlete, who retired three years ago. He reminisced about his previous visit in March, praising the warm reception from the local community.
Bittersweet Moments at the Arena
As he admired the distinctive black court setup at the Golden State Warriors’ arena, Federer expressed bittersweet feelings about not being able to compete there.
“This venue looks special, and I feel envious that I can’t play here. I spoke with Tim Henman about how amazing it would be to perform in this space,”
he remarked, vowing to enjoy the event from a spectator’s perspective instead.
Excitement Builds for Upcoming Matches
On the eve of the official training session for the tournament’s players, which promises to be a visual treat for tennis enthusiasts, Federer shared the court experience with none other than San Francisco’s Mayor, Daniel Lurie, marking a memorable connection between sports and local leadership.
Expectations are high among tennis fans and former players alike. Patrick Rafter, an assistant captain for Team World under Andre Agassi, shared his excitement about the arena that typically hosts NBA star Stephen Curry.
“It’s incredible to be in an amazing venue like this with a capacity of around 18,000. Watching the talent here will be a great experience,”
Rafter said. The thrilling matches ahead promise to deliver a fantastic tennis showcase in this iconic city.
