Roger Federer to Australian Open ballkids: Break the rules!

Roger Federer has been a ballboy himself for about two years and knows how the ballkids feel. He’s now encouraging the 380 ballkids announced for next year’s Australian Open to… break the rules!

Rules state that ‘under no circumstances’ can ballkids ask players for autographs while in uniform. However Federer says he is cool if he’s approached.

I was a ballkid for two years. I loved chasing the players down for autographs and for pictures. I’m not sure if you’re allowed to do it, but if you’re not, ask me. I’m totally cool about it.

Federer has had quite a few fun interactions with ballkids in the past. He famously tested out the reflexes of a ballboy at the 2014 Australian Open as you can see in the video. It is not coincidence that he receives so much love from the tennis fans.

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Australian Open 2016 odds from bet365:

Novak Djokovic 6/5
Andy Murray 9/2
Rafael Nadal 11/2
Roger Federer 10/1
Stan Wawrinka 12/1