Roger Federer is a man of many skills on the tennis court – that precise down-the-line backhand, the neat, on the line ace, the deceptive, deft volley, the SABR (sneak attack by Roger, in case you were wondering.)
But at the ongoing Wimbledon, the 36-year-old decided to show off his skill in another sport altogether – with a textbook, front-foot defensive shot during his fourth round clash against Adrian Mannarino. He went on to win the match in straight sets and sealed his quarter-final spot, but the talk of Twitter for a day to come was Federer playing cricket on the Centre Court.
The defending champion hit a backhand long and when the Frenchman returned it, he tried a two-handed defense, as one does for fun, which pinged right in the middle of the racquet. And even though he lost the point, the cheeky move was a real winner, especially on social media.
Ratings for @rogerfederer's forward defence, @ICC?#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/VVAt2wHPa4
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2018
Federer is no stranger to cricket, having picked the game from his mother, who is South African.
When Wimbledon asked ICC to rate this shot, the cricket governing body was quick to proclaim him the world’s No 1 batsman.
*sigh* ok... 👇 pic.twitter.com/KXnhaznxL8
— ICC (@ICC) July 9, 2018
On his part, fellow G.O.A.T Sachin Tendulkar welcomed the latest entrant to the rankings and even promised to exchange notes, but after Federer won the title. The Indian cricket great has often been seen in the Royal Box at Wimbledon watching Federer and the two have been spotted together before.
As always, great hand-eye co-ordination. @rogerfederer, let’s exchange notes on cricket and tennis after you win your 9th @Wimbledon title 😜👍 https://t.co/2TNUHGn1zK
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 10, 2018
But Federer seemed keen to learn from the “Master Blaster” as soon as possible, and Tendulkar promised to teach him a shot he excelled at – the straight drive. But in return, the Swiss would have to teach him the backhand.
why wait? I'm ready to take notes! @sachin_rt https://t.co/UjH5m1wuNT
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) July 10, 2018
Ha ha ha..done. @rogerfederer, lesson 1 will be the straight drive only if you help me with my backhand my friend!!😉🎾🏏
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 10, 2018
Unfortunately won’t be able to come see you play this year but will be glued to the televison...Wish you all the very best! Hopefully next year @wimbledon. https://t.co/7eP6w2olW0
The International Cricket Council then added to the fun with a meme of the GOATs.
When greatness recognises greatness 👌 pic.twitter.com/UB2hJli5gw
— ICC (@ICC) July 9, 2018
While there is no doubt that with his level of skill with a bouncing ball, Federer would be a fine hand a cricket. But question is, can he face Stuart Broad? Well, someone at ICC wants to know!
US: Is there anything that guy can't do? 🤷♂️
— ICC (@ICC) July 9, 2018
ALSO US: But we'd love to see how he fares in the nets facing up to @StuartBroad8 😆 https://t.co/1MCtakhzjz
Fans loved it, of course.
Is there anything that this guy cant do ??? That was a perfect forward defensive shot and a perfect roll of the wrists to keep the ball down :)
— FTW ! (@IamIVK) July 9, 2018
He can Play cricket for SA :)
Soft hands. No run there. https://t.co/10CbezOEkn
— Sean Hogan (@SeanHoganNZ) July 9, 2018
The wrist work 👏👏👏 https://t.co/9sANpeqL2M
— Kyle Lynch (@klinch14) July 9, 2018
Selectors hoping he can bowl a bit, might make the team as an all-rounder. Big gap between bat and pad, soft hands ensure chop-ons. Can see Hazlewood sneaking one in there with a touch of in-swing. https://t.co/3JfSwOPk9N
— James Pavey (@jamespavey_) July 9, 2018