‘Stop Watching …’ – Roger Federer’s Mere Presence Puts Tennis on Backseat as Goofy Russian Star Delves Into a ‘Special Moment’

Sometimes, the player becomes bigger than the sport itself. Former world champion Roger Federer has grown beyond tennis in multiple ways. The 14-time ATP singles title winner, Andrey Rublev, recently experienced Federer’s grandeur in his latest match at the Shanghai Masters. After the match, Rublev expressed his opinion of Federer’s charisma in the stadium.

Rublev was up against America’s Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals. Federer showed up at the match to spectate the thrill. However, the audience had a different idea of what was more important. An amazed Rublev later talked about the shift in energy with the press after qualifying for the semi-finals.

Andrey Rublev on Federer’s grand presence

Rublev won the match with 7-5, 7-5 against Paul. After the match, the press congratulated him for making it to the semi-finals. However, he was also asked about Roger Federer watching his game and if they ended up talking afterwards.

Rublev started by addressing that he had spotted Federer earlier, saying, “Yeah, I saw him before the match. I have known Roger for a couple of years.” He also flexed on his good relations with the Swiss legend, before continuing, “I mean, when he got to my match, obviously, all the spectators, stopped watching tennis, because they started watching only Roger, so it was a fun moment.” It goes without saying that Federer has achieved the ultimate celebrity status. Naturally, fans will always be gawking at the star unexpectedly present amongst them in the stadium.

READ MORE: Russian ATP Star Andrey Rublev Can’t Keep a Straight Face as Unexpected Linkin Park Question Bamboozles Him at the Shanghai Masters

Rublev finally ended by describing how much of a special moment it was. In his words: “Nothing much, I mean, obviously, when Roger comes to the court, it’s always a special moment.” It is true that any player would love to have Roger Federer watching their match, for his mere presence is nothing short of an achievement for most.

Rublev’s performance at the Shanghai Masters

Rublev has maintained an interesting form throughout 2023. Before the Shanghai Masters, he managed to seize a spot in the semi-finals for the China Open’s Doubles as well. He was paired with Karen Khachanov and the duo clashed with Neal Skupski and Wesley Koolhof. However, Rublev and Khachanov lost with scores of 6³-7⁷ and 2-6. 

Soon after, Rublev gained an upper hand in the Shanghai Masters by winning matches straight up till the quarter-finals. Andrey Rublev will be fighting Grigor Dimitrov to get into the finals of Asia’s only Masters 1000 tournament. Both players have been in exceptional form since their first match, which certainly promises a thrilling clash ahead.

It’ll be interesting to see who will make the cut for the finals. However, If Roger chooses to appear again for the finals, we all know where everyone’s attention will be. What do you think about this whole situation? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

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