Sport | Tennis
Federer treats fans at tennis clinic
Encourages young talent with expert play advice and diet suggestions during workshop
- By Dina El Shammaa, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
- Published: 00:00 December 31, 2010
Abu Dhabi: Positioning his racket between his legs as he returned the tennis ball, and dancing on court as he rubbed his tennis shoes on clay, were just some of the tactics Roger Federer used to keep his young UAE tennis opponents calm.
During the Federer Clinic held yesterday morning at the World Tennis Championship, Federer spent an hour coaching 15 participants, most of whom were children under 13 years of age.
The initiative was organised by the event's title sponsor, Mubadala, to help encourage healthy lifestyle habits among residents.
Dressed in an all Nike labelled yellow cap, white shirt, grey shorts and a yellow tennis wrist, the world's number two tennis player, made sure the atmosphere on court — as he offered suggestions and advice to his young tennis opponents — was fun and relaxed.
Federer used simple techniques while returning the ball, and encouraged players with comments such as: "Good shot, stand behind the line, move, closer, well played, take it slow, no worries, spin, coming in. At one point he also said: "Never miss the internet, get it over the net."
Federer also took the time to speak to the players once he was finished coaching them. Apart from recommending a pasta diet, he also spoke about his frequent visits to the UAE.
"I visit Dubai three months a year, and whenever I can I visit some of my friends in Abu Dhabi, who always watch me play here. I also celebrated new years eve with my kids in Abu Dhabi last year," he said.
When asked about plans for tennis, Federer said: "There are still many things I want to do, and have clear career goals I want to achieve. I love to travel around, and enjoy meeting amazing fans and spending time with kids. I just love my life!"
Federer impressed
There was one particular 12-year-old tennis player that Federer was particularly impressed with during the training sessions.
And each time Adham Gabr faced his renowned opponent on court, Federer would joke and say: "Ohhh he's trouble."
Adham is ranked third at the Tennis Emirates, and plays in under 12 tournaments across the UAE.
Being a huge Federer fan, the young champion made sure he won last year's tennis tournament in the UAE for its reward — a four-day trip to Paris, to watch Federer play at the semi-finals.
"Adham is a huge Federer fan. Today's the second time Adham meets Federer, but it's the first time he actually speaks with him. Federer pat him on the shoulder and told him that he has a great future in tennis," Hisham Gabr, Adham's father said.
Gabr added that both Adham and his sister Nouna, ranked 2nd in the under 14 group of the Tennis Emirates and practice tennis five times a week. "I expect both my children to become tennis professionals in the future," he added.
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