Federer sends fans into a frenzy with new look
Roger Federer has returned to tennis after a two-week holiday, and fans have noticed a markedly different look for the Swiss legend.
After an incredible 2017 season that saw him snare the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles and rocket back up the rankings to finish No.2 in the world, Federer took a well-earned break in the Maldives with his family.
But the 19-time grand slam champion was back in the gym and on the practice court in Dubai this week ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Federer posted a pic to social media on Friday showing him working out with fitness trainer Pierre Paganini, and fans were immediately sent into a frenzy over the new look he was sporting.
Gym time
🏋️ 💦 pic.twitter.com/9Z0s9Nvsi0— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) December 7, 2017
As German player Andre Petkovic pointed out, Federer hadn't seemed to have shaved in a while.
"Peak beard, Roger," she tweeted in response to the photo.
Peak beard, Roger. https://t.co/2une6ZPcrn
— Andrea Petkovic (@andreapetkovic) December 7, 2017
The normally clean shaven Federer looked rather scruffy, but that's to be expected when you step out of the spotlight for two weeks.
Fans were loving the new look, full of praise on Twitter.
— Kath SF (@SFKaky) December 7, 2017
Roger! We miss you, Fed.
— Optimist🎾 (@VolleyMePlease) December 7, 2017
That was so cute and funny, really the king....🐐
— Solange Tremblay (@jeuxxx) December 7, 2017
Yippee !!! it´s great to see you back on training 😊 Kisses to Pierre ♥
— Dinora (@norinchi_df) December 7, 2017
yay roger!
— ro95rfedererchamp19n (@jamEYYoo) December 7, 2017
Fans were also taken aback by Federer's seemingly sweaty shirt, considering the unflappable legend hardly ever looks to be perspiring during matches.
What is that liquid on your shirt? Roger sweats!!!
— Dani Rodrigo (@jdanielrodrigo) December 7, 2017
Can't be... RF too cool to sweat!! 🎾😎💪👏🥂
— Brian Boucher (@AthleticAnchovy) December 7, 2017
The king sweats in the off season so he doesn’t have to during season! #champion #hardwork
— Gui Agustini (@guiagustini1) December 8, 2017
Is Rog sweating?
— Shmuli (@politicalobs) December 7, 2017
think it's the pattern on the shirt but in Dubai & post hols maybe a tad, hence "glow" !
— Catherine (@jackson_catyjac) December 7, 2017
Federer will return to the Hopman Cup in Perth this summer as he prepares to defend his Australian Open title.
The tennis great played the country-based, mixed-teams event in the lead up to the first grand slam of the year in January when he claimed his fifth title at Melbourne Park.
He reached the semi-finals of the last Hopman Cup with Swiss teammate Belinda Bencic, who he will again partner in Perth.
with AAP