Interview Key Points

Introduction and Pre-Tournament Feelings

The interview begins with the interviewer expressing surprise at being able to conduct it just two days before Wimbledon. The interviewee, Roger, expresses his excitement for the tournament and his love for the venue.

• Excitement for Wimbledon: Roger expresses happiness that it's Wimbledon time again and his fondness for the place.
• Pre-Tournament Routine: His days are described as relaxed, focusing on recovery and building energy for the tournament.

On-Court Skills and Style

Roger discusses the technical aspects of his game, including what makes a perfect serve and a difficult shot. He also touches upon his signature shots and his choice of a one-handed backhand.

• The Perfect Serve: Emphasizes the toss as the key, as it's the only shot fully controlled by the player.
• Difficult Technical Shot: Mentions the overhead backhand, which requires lunging, jumping, and hoping for the best.
• Signature Shots: Identifies his slice and forehand as his signature shots.
• One-Handed Backhand Choice: Explains that his childhood idols had one-handers, influencing his decision.

Connection to Equipment and Venue

The interview delves into Roger's relationship with his racket and his experiences playing at Wimbledon, particularly on Centre Court.

• Racket as an Extension: Views his racket as an extension of his arm, responsible for the "magic."
• Favorite Aspect of Wimbledon: Highlights the history and tradition of the tournament.
• Centre Court Experience: Describes playing on Centre Court as a "dream come true" for any tennis player.

Personal Life and Background

Roger shares details about his family, nicknames, linguistic abilities, and his early experiences with tennis.

• Family Nicknames: Known as "Rog" and "Rotschi" in Swiss German.
• "Most Swiss Thing": Identifies as a chocoholic.
• Languages Spoken: Fluent in Swiss German, German, English, and French.
• Favorite Expressions: Uses "Allee" (French), "Kaman" (English), and "Chumjetze" (Swiss German) on the court.
• Ball Boy Experience: Started as a ball boy at his home tournament in Basel at age 12 for two years.
• Early Playing Hours: Played about two hours every second day at age 12.
• Current Playing Hours: Varies between zero and four hours a day, prioritizing energy conservation.
• Tennis Idols: Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, and Pete Sampras.
• Realization of Skill: Felt he was "good" after beating Pete Sampras at Wimbledon in 2001.
• Mother's Influence: His mother was a coach but didn't coach him directly. Her advice was "Never let the ball bounce twice."

Fashion and Off-Court Life

The conversation shifts to Roger's style, memorable outfits, and how he spends his off days.

• Style Icon: Tom Ford.
• Feeling His Best Attire: A suit, but also a bathing suit and t-shirt on a beach.
• Most Memorable Outfit: A Gucci tuxedo with a diamond-encrusted cobra on the back for the Met Gala.
• Off Days: Consist of taking it easy and playing with his children.
• Fashion Advice: "You wear the clothes, not the clothes wear you." Also recalls advice from Anna to wear a dark suit in the evening.

Hidden Talents and Family Life

Roger reveals something unknown about himself and discusses his experience with raising twins.

• Something People Don't Know: Feels people know everything about him due to extensive interviews.
• Confusing Identical Twins: Used to confuse them but is now a "pro" and cannot tell them apart (sarcastically).
• Lessons Learned from Kids: Patience and the joy of snuggling.
• What He Hopes Kids Learn: He wants to teach them everything he knows and more.

Memorable Locations and Wimbledon Traditions

The interview touches upon unique playing locations and specific Wimbledon traditions.

• Craziest Location Played: Jungfrau Joch, Top of Europe, in Switzerland, with Lindsey Von.
• Wimbledon Tradition Looked Forward To: The defending champion opening Centre Court at 1 PM on Monday.

Career Milestones and Memorabilia

Roger reflects on his career, discussing memorable wins, the trophies, and prized possessions.

• First Professional Tournament: Kstad, 1998, after winning the Wimbledon juniors the week before.
• Most Surprising Career Moment: Becoming world number one and winning his titles exceeded any dream.
• Most Prized Memorabilia: The net from his 2009 Wimbledon final against Andy Roddick.
• Favorite Sports to Watch: Tennis, football, and basketball.
• Reason for Choosing Tennis over Soccer: Didn't want to blame the goalie; wanted to take personal responsibility.

Challenges as an Athlete and Legacy

Roger discusses the difficulties he faced early in his career and how he wishes to be remembered.

• Biggest Challenge Not Appreciated Early On: Homesickness, jet lag, and interviews. Initially distrusted journalists.
• How He Wants to Be Remembered: As a "good guy for tennis," philanthropic, and a good tennis player.

Wimbledon Specifics and Rivalries

The conversation focuses on specific aspects of Wimbledon, his approach to matches, and his relationships with other players.

• Pre-Match Ice Cream: Eats ice cream after matches, not before.
• Wall of Champions: Acknowledges the significant presence of his wins on the wall.
• Aiming for Nine Wins: While eight is his favorite number, he acknowledges nine has a better sound.
• Most Memorable Win: 2003, his first Wimbledon title, which felt like achieving his ultimate dream.
• Trophy Engraving: Notes that trophies are engraved very quickly after a win.
• Rafael Nadal: Describes him as intense on court, honest and open off court, with a "heart of gold." Mentions their ongoing collaboration for his foundation.
• Entering Centre Court: His personal mantra is "Come on, Roger. You got this. Go for it. Enjoy it. Let's go."
• Match Point Experience: Describes it as a moment of intense silence where only a cough might be heard before the crowd erupts.
• First Person Looked For in Crowd: Checks the general vibe, then his team, umpire, and opponent.
• Dreaded Player to Play Against: Rafa Nadal.
• Favorite Player to Play Against: Rafa Nadal.
• Rematch Desire: Del Potro at the 2009 US Open final.
• "Fire and Ice" Strategy: Fire in the belly to win every point, ice in the veins for calmness and focus in crucial moments.
• Prepping for Matches: Believes preparation should be the same for any round, though nerves can vary.
• Nervousness Level: Measured by the "butterflies" felt.
• Harder to Overcome: Mental or Physical Exhaustion: Mental exhaustion.
• Serve and Volley vs. Power Baseline: Prefers a bit of both.
• Footwork vs. Strokes Difficulty: Footwork is easier to perfect; strokes involve more talent.

Final Question and Comparison

The 73rd and final question compares surviving Bear Grylls to surviving Wimbledon.

• Surviving Bear Grylls vs. Wimbledon: Different experiences; the Bear Grylls show involved peeing over a fire, which didn't happen at Wimbledon. Notes Bear Grylls was in the Royal Box.

Special Guest Message

The interview concludes with a surprise message from Anna, wishing Roger good luck at Wimbledon.

• Anna's Message: Wishes Roger good luck at Wimbledon.