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Tennis star Roger Federer a fan of Peter Forsberg, hockey


2008-07-22 12:21:52

BY SABINA LAM

The world’s top golfer may not be a hockey fan, but the sport does have a burgeoning supporter in the world’s No. 1 tennis player, Roger Federer.

When asked who his favorite athletes to watch were, Federer named Peter Forsberg among his top guys.

“Michael Jordan, Lennox Lewis, Marcelo Rios…Peter Forsberg,” said Federer at the Rogers Cup tennis tournament in Toronto. “(I like) more and more hockey.”

Although his favorite athletes are from many different sports, Federer did express disinterest in American football.

“American football isn’t interesting to me,” he said. “Too many breaks in the action. Plus, I don’t understand the rules too well.”

Federer’s comments come nearly two months after Tiger Woods responded to a question about who he believed would win the Stanley Cup by saying, "I don't really care. Let's talk about the Dodgers.

"I don't think anybody really watches hockey any more."

The Swiss tennis star, who has been on top of the ATP rankings for 234 straight weeks, is appearing in the Rogers Cup for the sixth time. He’s also competing for the first time since his Wimbledon and French Open final defeats by rival Rafael Nadal, who is also participating in Toronto.

COMMENTS (12)

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Liam Djupstrom Posted
(2009-04-30 06:39:06)



I think Tiger has forgotten who he is married to. Somebody was sleeping on the couch for a week shortly after that interview haha. Federer is a Euro, like myself, and most Euros watch hockey when the soccer is on hold.
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Rachel Polner Posted
(2009-04-30 06:39:01)



First of all, as an American hockey fan, what I found offensive about Tiger's comments were that he said nobody cares about hockey, which is just ridiculous. There are many states which are hotbeds of hockey and to dismiss it like that is just ridiculous. As far as the attacks on Foppa, when he plays, he is still one of the best and I admire Federer even more for supporting him.
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kickin wing Posted
(2009-04-30 06:39:01)



Watching golf is almost but not quite as exciting as watching paint dry. Fun to play but as a spectator sport there is no comparison to hockey whatsoever. Many years ago Tiger and his little friends decided to play some street hockey and he was the last kid picked. He took his ball and went home when his Dad told him the corporate sponsors were better in Golf.
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kyle Posted
(2009-04-30 06:38:55)



Come on now, just one more reason for someone who should not be in league to continue to play
    0



T.J. Posted
(2009-04-30 06:38:53)



phil- Don't post on this site.
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phil Posted
(2009-04-30 06:38:49)



Roger Federer has been interested in hockey for quite some time. he has been spotted attending games of the biggest hockey club in switzerland, SC Bern. He also frequently attends games of his local soccer team, FC Basel. I also understand Tiger that he doesnt like hockey at all, come on it's the reality that hockey really isn't big at all anymore in the states. There are othere sports that are much more important.
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Darren B Posted
(2009-04-30 06:38:48)



You have to wonder how much he follows hockey if he selected Forsberg has his favorite hockey player. I loved Forsberg in his prime too and would love to see him on my team but his injuries have limited his ability to play and has he not seen the lives of Ovechkin, Iginla and Zetterberg (the 2 dudes in Pittsburg are okay too).
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T.J. Posted
(2009-04-30 06:38:48)



Is this a joke? C'mon, two months ago Tiger Woods, who is a very close friend to Rodger Federer, came out and said he doesn't even care about the sport, and now Rodger Federer wants to come out and say he is a fan? This seems to be strange. I hope nobody is buying this B.S.
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Stu Posted
(2009-04-30 06:38:48)



Forsberg is a good choice. He was the most dominant player in the NHL for a long time. Not anymore but that doesn't mean he shouldn't still be recognized as a great hockey player. Still one of my favorites even though he's basically finished.
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cmr Posted
(2009-04-30 06:38:47)



Why is Tiger a piece of trash for not liking hockey? He is from the Southern US where Hockey is all but a minor league sport. Can you blame him? I love hockey more than anything but if someone doesn't like it boohoo.
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