Roger Federer received a huge standing ovation upon his entrance to Rod Laver Arena to play his first tour-level match since 8 July 2016. But what brings Federer to his feet? Musicals. “I'm always one of the first guys to give standing ovations because I think it's really important because these guys do amazing,” Federer said Monday night in Melbourne after his first-round win at the Australian Open. “The amount of memorising they have to do, I find that mind-blowing. I'm not very good at remembering stuff like that.” But Roger certainly proved he’s remembered his way around the tennis court. The four-time champion, who had been sidelined due to a knee injury, opened his campaign at the Australian Open...
Stan Wawrinka lived to fight another day on Monday night at the Australian Open. The fourth seed and 2014 titlist drew upon his big-match experience to come back from a break deficit in the deciding set to edge Martin Klizan 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 in three hours and 24 minutes on Margaret Court Arena. ”It was tough one, for sure,” said Wawrinka. “But I’m really happy to get through in five sets. It wasn't my best tennis today, but I was fighting, trying to stay in the game. I think he was playing well. He didn't give me too much rhythm. He made me play not my best tennis. I'm happy to get through, that's the most important thing.”...
Watch highlights of Stan Wawrinka surviving a five-set opener against Martin Klizan at the 2017 Australian Open. Video courtesy Tennis Australia. Getty Images photo.
Watch highlights of Roger Federer returning to tour-level action against Jurgen Melzer at the 2017 Australian Open. Getty Images photo. Video Courtesy: Tennis Australia.
Roger Federer has been named the world's most marketable sports person in 2016, according to researchers at the London School of Marketing. The Swiss superstar earned nearly £50 million ($60.7m) in sponsorships and endorsements, despite missing six months of last season and undergoing knee surgery in March 2016. Jacques de Cock, faculty member at London School of Marketing said, "Despite Roger Federer's slow year in terms of success in his sport, his successful endorsement deals show that personal characteristics can also be an important part of long-lasting sponsorships." Federer is listed ahead of NBA basketball player Lebron James (£44.3m/$53.8m) and golfers Phil Mickelson (£41m, $50.2m) and Tiger Woods (£36.9m, $44.8m). Tennis players Novak Djokovic (£27.9m, $33.8m) and Rafael Nadal (£26.2m,$31.8m)...
