Roger Federer captured performing amazing gesture after Miami Open downpour
THE MIAMI OPEN has been battered by rain this week and Roger Federer has been captured lending a helping hand.
Miami Open: Federer feeling 'energetic' ahead of tournament
Federer wanted to practice on centre court at the Hard Rock Stadium as that is where all of his matches are expected to take place.
But the heavy downpour has led to many first round matches being postponed during the ATP’s opening day.
Federer was able get an hour of practice in early yesterday morning as the court was dried, enabling him to hit with Marton Fucsovics.
The Miami Open ground staff were desperately trying to hoover up all of the standing water.
And Federer was captured grabbing a towel and helping to pad down the court.
It is unclear if Fucsovics also helped to get the practice session underway.
But no doubt the local workers will have been grateful that their job was made slightly easier thanks to the 20-time Grand Slam winner.
Federer enters the Miami Open as one of the favourites to win the title, despite losing the Indian Wells final to Dominic Thiem last week.
The 37-year-old will likely face Matthew Ebden in the opening round, with Stan Wawrinka then a possible third-round opponent.
It gets no easier from there as highly-rated youngster Daniil Medvedev is on path for the fourth round.
Federer’s 2018 Wimbledon conquerer Kevin Anderson may meet him in the quarter-final, with world No 3 Alexander Zverev in the last four.
And if he manages to come through all of that, then world No 1 and pre-tournament favourite Novak Djokovic could await in the final.
Roger Federer’s projected Miami Open route
(based on ATP rankings)
First Round - Bye
Second Round - Matthew Ebden
Third Round - Stan Wawrinka
Fourth Round - Daniil Medvedev
Quarter Final - Kevin Anderson
Semi Final - Alexander Zverev
Final - Novak Djokovic