Roger Federer was put on the spot on Wednesday in the press conference room when he was asked about England’s exit from the Euros at the hands of Iceland.
The Swiss sent the press conference room in a fit of laughter when he tried to dodge the question.
“Is it fair to say that Marcus, despite losing, put up more of a fight than perhaps the England football team did on Monday?” a reporter asked Federer.
“I didn’t see the match, so I can’t comment on that. Such a pity. I was playing or in the press. Actually, I’ve got an alibi,” Federer responded with a laugh.
The reporter followed up by asking: “In that respect, is it fair to say he’s restored, maybe a little bit, of much-needed pride into British sport?”
Federer replied with a smile: You’re brutal, you guys.”
Reporter: “Just say yes.”
Federer: “Will I make the headlines or not?”
Reporter: “I’ll make you a star.”
Federer laughing: “You’ll make me a star, okay. It was definitely a big surprise to see England lose against Iceland, you know. What do you want me to say? I don’t know.”
With the entire room sharing a good laugh with the Swiss legend, the moderator naturally felt the need to put an end to that happy moment. “Last question, please!”
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, who had popped into the Grigor Dimitrov press conference two days earlier to joke around with the Bulgarian, had a surprise visitor of his own in his presser – legendary coach Nick Bollettieri.
“I’ve been watching tennis for 60 years and I keep looking to find a weakness in your game, and I can’t do it,” Bollettieri told Djokovic. “I’d like to say this, you’re a credit to the game and I like how humble you are about records and giving respect to the sport. I’m honoured to know you.”
Djokovic was stunned by his presence, saying: “Mr. Bollettieri, wow. Thank you, Nick. I’m honoured to have your presence at the press conference. Thank you so much for coming. I’m overwhelmed. Thank you. Wow, this has been a highlight of this conference, for sure. Thank you very much.”