Roger Federer had to correct a journalist who got his age wrong in a hilariously awkward post-match interview.
After the Swiss soundly defeated Japanese player Yuichi Suigita in a straight-sets win in the Mastercard Hopman Cup first round, Federer was drafted in for a post-match interview to reflect on the game - and his year on the whole.
But an awkward moment ensued when the man interviewing the 19-time Grand Slam winner got his age wrong.
The Australian reporter asked: "Roger ,we don't want to make you feel old but 36 next year, and I don't know if you keep score of these things but how close to your career best form do you feel at 35/36 next year?"
Federer waited for the journalist to finish the question but had to step in and correct him.
"37 this year, last year I was young at 35!" he said, prompting plenty of laughs from the fans in attendance.
It ended up throwing the world No.2 off slightly as he had to ask for the question to be repeated because he was "so focused on his age".
Image: PA
Being the top bloke he is though, he maintained his professionalism and answered the question pretty well.
"I feel like the game has evolved again in the last ten years or so," he added.
"I've made some adjustments in my game but I think I'm playing very well otherwise I wouldn't be having the results that I'm having. I'm happy I'm still playing at this level. I was always hoping to play for a long time and I'm doing that.
"It's been an absolute dream run. It's gone by too fast. When you're having fun, things go too fast. What a year it's been. Couldn't be happier; a huge surprise. I'm healthy - I had a great off-season.
"I'm so pleased to have had the year that I've had and hopefully another good one this year."
Federer won both the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017, and given he's still showing no signs of slowing down, will be looking to add to his grand slams in 2018, starting with his attempt to defend the Australian Open which commences on 15 January.
Topics:ย Tennis, roger federer, Australia
