SAN FRANCISCO – Roger Federer threw several trick serves and several leg shots to capricious young players who were whimsical to hit a few minutes with the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
As he supports and promotes the town of Labor Cup at Chase Center this weekend, Federer took part in the announcement of six renovated courts Wednesday for the community legacy project of events at each stop at John McLaren Park in southeastern San Francisco.
He groaned and laughed as he strategized with Yannick Noah, who will become Team Europe captain for the tennis showcase.
Federer explodes with the kids and some of him want to play here. Federer concluded his selfie to the authorized and obliged fans. He hit a few balls with San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.
“Go out to parks like this, spend time with the kids, inspiring them, talking about tennis and seeing what we did in the Laver Cup coming here,” said the 44-year-old Swiss star. “So I’m so happy that we’re finally here and I’m back. We had a great time last time in March. You guys were so friendly.
Federer, who retired three years ago at the age of 41, had his first glimpse into a unique black coat at Golden State Warriors Arena and wanted to be there.
“I looked really special,” Federer said. “I feel very sad, but not in this word, but I’m missing out on being unable to play because this is a venue I loved playing. So I’ll miss that, but I’ll enjoy it as a fan.”
Casperude and others have already been trained on the court, but the official practice day is scheduled for Thursday, where fans will get their first glimpse into the greats.
Patrick Rafter can’t wait to see support at the arena where Stephen Curry from the Golden State Warriors is usually a major attraction. Rafter is Team World’s assistant captain and works with Captain Andre Agassi.
“They are huge names all over the world, and Stephen Curry is one of the main men,” Rafter said. “So hopefully we can meet all of them and hang out or do something. Here we are in this amazing venue. I didn’t realize it was a lot of people – 18,000 people, it was huge.
