US Open 2017: Roger Federer having plenty of fun off-court

The 19-grand slam tennis legend has faced back-to-back five set matches that has left tennis fans nervous about his chances at a record 20^th major trophy, but he’s been making plenty of them happy off the court with charming interviews and an impromptu practice session in Central Park.

Roger Federer’s U.S. Open first round was a scare for Federeristas after he was pushed to a five-setter by American up-and-comer Francis Tiafoe, ultimately winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4.

The Swiss tennis star is coming back after a short break where he recuperated from the back issues that have occasionally plagued his career. He lost in his third Masters 1000 final to the young sensation Alexander Zverev in Montreal earlier this summer, looking pained in their matchup.

If this was 2016, we would have expected the loss, where the Basel native sustained a knee injury giving his daughter’s a bath, followed up with surgery, and much time off for recuperation. Cut to 6 months later and Federer won GS #18 in Australia. He followed up this feat with two more Masters 1000 titles (Indian Wells and Miami), skipped the clay season to save stress on the knee, and came back rejuvenated during grass, clinching GS #19 at Wimbledon, his record 8^th. 2017 has been all about Federer’s renaissance and it’s as if he never left the game’s top spot.

But perhaps we’re being selfish, expecting Federer’s resurgence to last forever and the third seed still hasn’t demonstrated a dominant form at Flushing Meadows yet. He’s also human and so far he’s playing it safe, perhaps, a little spooked about re-injuring the back after pulling out of Cincinnati a few weeks ago.

“Since Montreal, focus has been more on the back, making sure I can play the tournament rather than being well-prepared,” he said in his press conference after the Tiafoe match.

Still admitting he’s been struggling in practice, he made it through his second round match against Mikhail Youzhny, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4. Having beaten him 16 times before, after some tentative play, Federer managed to make 17 times in a row, but not without some worry by his fans.

“My preparation hasn’t been good at all here. I knew I was going to maybe struggle early on… But I’m still in the draw, which gives me a chance,” he said afterwards.

Tennis and sports fans have gotten used to the great legend performing magic this year and although the crowds are pulling through for their favorite to pull a hat trick of grand slam titles this year in his Year of all Comebacks, they’re nervous about the long night matches, trying to cheer on the 36 year-old.

His matches may be nerve-racking events so far, but the elder statesman of tennis is still proving he’s the greatest ambassador for the sport.

He had a hilarious answer about why he’s been called “the goat,” to questions posed by kids in a press conference earlier in the week, something to do with the presence of the livestock in his native Switzerland. Watch the adorbs moment for yourself:

But perhaps the greatest gift for his fans were the lucky few who discovered their favorite player hitting the practice courts in Central Park. Sure, traffic makes getting to Flushing Meadows difficult and the CP courts are closer to his exclusive suite at the Carlyle Hotel on the UES, but this is Roger Federer and we know he used the time to share his practice with the public. What a guy.

https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/903095370510516224

Tennis player Mardy Fish thought it was extremely cool:

Federer loved the experience and says he’ll probably do it again:

Another fan couldn’t believe her luck:

https://twitter.com/queensmom_3/status/903010314681290753

“Having someone here on the grounds of Central Park in my tennis club like Roger Federer is good for the morale and good for tennis,” said Central Park Tennis Center concessionaire Cathy Gaudio in For The Win.

Who couldn’t root for this guy?

Despite a less confident start in the tournament so far, Federer insists he’s warming back up to his dominant form he displayed earlier in the year. With Nadal as the new world No. 1, and twice-Masters 1000 winner Alexander Zverev already out, Federer still doesn’t see the young players challenging the Big Four any time soon.

“Changing of the guard is going to come at some stage. Could very well be next year. But I still predict it’s going to take a few more,” he said in his press conference on Thursday.

Regardless of if he wins the title next week, Federer will likely continue to entertain in the tournament as well as off. If you happen to be walking through Central Park, keep an eye out for a certain tennis legend from Switzerland.