"My English Not Good Enough": Roger Federer Leaves Wimbledon Crowd In Splits. Watch
Wimbledon 2021: Roger Federer was as his disarming best when he made light of an interviewer's question which the tennis star said had challenged his command on the English language.
Highlights
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Roger Federer struggled to grasp a phrase while being interviewed
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He admitted that he did not understand what was being asked
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His honestly drew a huge round of applause and laughter from the crowd
People are often put in a jam when they are asked a question that they don't fully understand, and try to talk their way out of it as they don't wish to reveal that they didn't get it. However, Roger Federer had no qualms in admitting that he did not comprehend a certain English phrase while being interviewed after getting a walkover in his Wimbledon first round match against France's Adrian Mannarino. Federer's honesty left the crowd at Centre Court in splits.
The official Twitter account of Wimbledon shared a video of the incident.
"My English is not good enough!"
- Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 29, 2021
Even at 39, you never stop learning - right, @rogerfederer?#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/5BALP53NDA
The presenter asked Federer if he felt it is true that "absence makes the heart fonder", being back at Wimbledon after it was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I'm sorry, I didn't understand it," Federer says sheepishly, before breaking into a laughter - along with the rest of the audience.
"I heard something absence and then, I don't know, my mind went blank," the tennis legend said.
The presenter repeats his question to which, Federer says "I don't understand that saying", drawing more laughter from the crowd.
"My English is not good enough," he says.
When the presenter breaks it down in simpler terms, a beaming Federer says "Yes, there you go."
Federer then waits for the applause to die down before adding "A good reminder that my English is not very good."
Federer then goes on to say how it is great for all the players, fans and organisers to be back on tour, especially playing Wimbledon.
He said it is great that fans were allowed at the All England Club as "it would have been the worst to have this tournament with no fans."
A fan-favourite at the oldest tennis tournament in the world, Federer is looking to add another title to his record eight championships this year.
He survived a scare against Mannarino, who was leading him two sets to one in their first-round match before picking up an unfortunate injury.
Federer will play another Frenchman, Richard Gasquet, in the next round.