'Don't care': Roger Federer's perfect shutdown of Wimbledon question
Roger Federer delivered the perfect response to a reporter's question at Wimbledon on Thursday after his second-round victory over Richard Gasquet.
Federer moved up a gear as he produced a far more polished performance in his demolition of Frenchman Gasquet, beating him 7-6 (7/1), 6-1, 6-4.
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And he was also in fine form in his post-match press conference.
The 39-year-old was asked what he made of the bookies installing Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev as the favourites to make the final at the All England Club, with he and Djokovic second favourites.
The question also noted that Matteo Berrettini was third-favourite to make the final against Djokovic.
“Number one, I don’t care so much what they say,” Federer replied.
“Number two, where are the bookies from? Are they from England?”
The reporter responded: “Yes, as far as I understood".
To which Federer replied with a satisfied look: “So, that answers your question about Berrettini.
“Whoever wins Queen’s is always very high with that.
"Plus, he won Stuttgart two years ago, and he had a decent Wimbledon two years ago. So, that’s why he’s up there.
“I feel like (Alexander) Zverev should also be higher maybe, because I’ve played him on grass before, and I know he can play very well on the grass especially if he’s clocking his serves.
“Medvedev is No. 2 in the world and it’s normal that he should be up there as well. And then me, with my results here, they always have to put me in somewhere.
“I don’t know how to explain it to you. I don’t care. It doesn’t matter.
"But they’re probably right about Djokovic making all those finals on the other side, that he’s the favourite on that side of the draw, and for the entire tournament.”
Roger Federer finds form at Wimbledon
The 39-year-old Federer, an eight-time champion at Wimbledon, had looked rusty and edgy at times in his first round clash with Gasquet's compatriot Adrian Mannarino.
However, the cobwebs that come with so few competitive matches in almost two years due to two knee operations were blown away on Thursday.
The Swiss legend became the oldest man in 46 years to reach the Wimbledon third round after Ken Rosewall did so at 40 in 1975.
He next plays Britain's fast-improving Cameron Norrie for a place in the last 16.
"Cam is a good guy and is having a wonderful year. He has done well here but it's time for him to go out," said Federer.
Norrie is third on the ATP list for most wins this year and notched up No.31 as he swept aside Australian wildcard Alex Bolt 6-3, 6-1, 6-2.
Norrie joins fellow Britons Dan Evans and two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray in the third round.
It is the first time three British men have reached the third round since 1999, when Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski and Danny Sapsford reached the last 32.
"If there's a time to play Roger, now's the time I guess, but he's still a decent player," joked Norrie.
with AFP
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