In Chile, he was preparing on Tuesday to 16’000 spectators, a rock-star reception, complete with light show. In Buenos Aires, the “Olé-Olé touched him”-chants, a video message from Diego Maradona and the ovation of the 15’000 in the Parque Roca to tears. And, as in Chile, welcomed him in Bogotá, Colombia, where he landed early Thursday, the media as “Su Majestad”, his Majesty, or “Mr. perRFection”.

Federer’s second tour of South America surpasses in intensity and enthusiasm, even his first from the year 2012. In this case, the Timing did not seem ideal, but shaken Chile and Colombia these days and weeks of violent social unrest. The appearance in Santiago de Chile he created as well as a short trip: From Buenos Aires, he and Alexander Zverev flew to Chile, where they are, measures with the greatest safety, only a few hours lingered and soon after the battle back to Argentina flew.

nostalgia, and a 10 million

The first days in South America were for Federer to be a nostalgic and emotional matter. During a television interview with Argentina’s channel “TyC Sports” were recorded several video messages from former FCB player Delgado, his former rival David Nalbandian, his first opponent on the ATP Tour, Lucas Arnold or Gabriela Sabatini. Other sports stars such as Riquelme, Batistuta, Crespo, Del Potro, or the former Chilean top player, Fernando Gonzalez, he met personally.

Federer for his total of five Exhibitions against Zverev, according to the Argentine newspaper “La Nacion” with approximately 10 million Dollar Prince is compensated, it seems to bother hardly anyone. “He is the best Ambassador, a philanthropist, serving the people who interview him, water,” wrote in the same newspaper. “He is one of the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, Beethoven with the Racket.”

help with the choice of a profession: Roger Federer offers his Fans a lot. Image: Epa/Keystone

As is his way, put into perspective, Federer cult, the people responded with gratitude, and tried, the Fans, media and organizers as much as possible to return, even that Fan who asked him to stand for a photo at a standstill, and he offered it in several poses. “I feel incredibly welcome and privileged, at the age of 38, such a delight,” he said. He felt honored to be so successful that he was even in the conversation as one of the greatest tennis players. This attribute could, however, also one-time Rafael Nadal, he added.

Tokyo-Gold is not the major goal

Also in relation to 2020 was Federer rather modest. “The big goal is not to win, in Tokyo, a single gold,” he explained. “The goal is to represent Switzerland, and to get any medal.” For the first time, he spoke specifically of the opportunity, with Belinda Bencic in the Mixed stand. In 2016 in Rio had both been wanting the same as Stan Wawrinka.

The hektischste Phase of the show on tour is Roger Federer. After the third Match against Zverev in Bogotá was cancelled because of the mass protests and imposed a curfew, the two on Saturday in Mexico city in use – in the Bullring “Plaza de Toros”, with 42’000 places. Then it’s back to Quito (Ecuador), where on Sunday evening, the fifth and last game is about to start.

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Created: 23.11.2019, 15:26 PM