A Reporter Called Roger Federer ‘Handsome’ While Interviewing Him at Wimbledon. How is it Alright?

On the surface of it, this seems like a fun, light-hearted exchange between a player and a journalist but a closer look at the incident shows the sport’s deep-seated fixation with physical appearance.

(Image: AP/PTI)

It’s that time of the year again when tennis enthusiasts are treated to freshly mowed lawns, pristine white outfits and a fortnight of high octane tennis at Wimbledon. As the much anticipated tournament was readying to get underway, a seemingly hilarious press-meet with Roger Federer sent fans in a tizzy.

For the uninitiated, Roger Federer, a 20-time grand slam champion was ‘complimented’ at the pre-Wimbledon press conference by a reporter who said that he ‘looked even more handsome than last year’. Following the reporter’s gushy remark, the room immediately erupted in laughter.

Federer, who was caught off guard, beamed with a huge smile and graciously said thank you. The reporter continued with her question, “How do you feel?” referring to his fitness, to which Federer, who is known for his cheeky humour, joked, “I feel great now. …I feel incredibly sexy,”



As the laughter began to die down, the reporter went on to ask an important question about Federer’s physical fitness to which the 36 -year-old player gave a detailed response.

The video has since gone viral and Federer’s legion of fans have liked and shared their idol’s quick- witted response.

On the surface of it, this seems like a fun, light-hearted exchange between a player and a journalist but a closer look at the incident reveals the sport’s deep-seated fixation with physical appearance.

In 2013, John Inverdale, a BBC commentator had said on air that French tennis player, Marion Bartoli was never going ‘going to be a looker’. As his comments drew flak from players and fans alike, Bartoli went on to win Wimbledon the same year