ROGER FEDERER has admitted he was not too long ago mistaken for former tennis rival Rafa Nadal by an ignorant photograph-hunting fan.
The Swiss tennis maestro – the winner of 20 Grand Slam titles – is without doubt one of the most well-known sporting personalities on the planet.
A fan snubbed a selfie with Roger Federer after mistaking him for Rafa NadalCredit score: Getty Photos – Getty
But he was given an unlimited actuality verify whereas mooching round at this month’s Miami F1 Grand Prix that even he isn’t identified by all people.
It’s eight months since Fed, 41, determined to stop skilled sport with an emotional farewell show on the Laver Cup in London.
However one petrol-headed punter had clearly not spent a lot time watching the eight-time Wimbledon champion in motion.
Talking through a Twitter Q&A, Federer was requested to share a shaggy dog story of the primary time he had been confused for another person.
The Basel-born multi-millionaire replied: “[It] Occurred the opposite day on the Method 1.
“A man requested: ‘Can I’ve an image with you Mr [Rafa] Nadal?’
“I advised him I wasn’t Mr Nadal. He apologised and left with out taking an image.”
It was on the similar occasion in Florida the place Federer was approached by Sir Jackie Stewart on the grid stroll.
The humorous incident happened whereas Federer attended the Miami Grand PrixCredit score: Getty
However the racing legend was manhandled by bungling safety workers who hadn’t recognised the well-known Scotsman – regardless of the very fact he’s a three-time F1 world champion.
The previous world No1 knew precisely who Stewart was, saying: “I’ve met him a number of time earlier than. He’s legendary.”
Federer, the undisputed King of Grass, is ready to be honoured by Wimbledon bigwigs with a particular presentation when he seems at Centre Courtroom in July.
However he says he has “no plans to commentate this yr” for BBC TV now that he has hung up his racquets.
Within the Twitter chat, Federer joked that his dad typically sends him YouTube clips of the most effective matches of his profession to remind him that he was as soon as an honest tennis ace.
Federer nonetheless misses the aggressive aspect of being an expert participant.
However he says he’s relishing the possibility to spend extra time at house along with his spouse Mirka and their two units of twins.
Federer mentioned: “In a loopy manner, I miss all the things about it.
“For years of my life, I didn’t even bear in mind what day of the week it was – aside from Monday was the beginning of a match and Sunday was the tip.
“I sleep much less really. Earlier than I HAD to get my sleep. Now there’s much less stress to – so I find yourself sleeping much less. Bizarre, proper?
“I feel [my family] miss all of our travels however they’re comfortable to have a extra constant routine at house.
“Snowboarding with the household this winter for the primary time was a lot enjoyable.”