Roger Federer has a bit of spare time on his hands at the moment, with professional tennis on hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic.
But that has not stopped the 20-time major singles champion from keeping himself busy by offering tips to his legion of fans around the world, who are also stuck at home because of self-isolation and social distancing measures.
Federer took to Twitter and Instagram with a short video to showcase what he described as a “helpful solo drill” for all the tennis enthusiasts looking to improve their volleying skills while confined to their dwellings.
He tapped the ball more than 200 times during the test of reflex and form in the 59-second video.
Federer did not stop there, however, going one step further by encouraging his followers and other social media users to reply to him with their own videos mimicking the volleying exercise he displayed so he could give some feedback.
There was some extra advice as well, with the Panama-hat wearing Federer directing users to “choose your hat wisely”.
Within six hours, Federer’s video garnered more than 1 million views, and his post drew more than 1,300 replies.
Many of those replying to Federer got inventive, with two sisters teaming up to mimic a typical on-court exchange between a player and a ball kid.
“Classic, you guys are funny,” Federer replied.
Federer also apologised to the father of one of his fans, who had interrupted a Zoom meeting by volleying against a wall at home while wearing a sombrero.
“That was the right choice of hat, love the effort, sorry to your dad!” wrote Federer alongside a series of smiling and laughing emojis.
To another tweet, in which a man hit a tennis ball against an indoor wall while a dog appeared to nap underneath, Federer answered: “Love the confidence not to drop the [tennis ball emoji] on the [dog emoji].”
Federer replied to a number of other tweets, often complimenting their choice of headwear and dispensing a little advice.
“Don’t lean back, strong in the wrist,” Federer wrote to one Twitter user.
“Keep up the great work.”
Federer, who holds the record for most major singles trophies won by a male player, has previously posted clips of himself hitting against a wall in the snow, including around-the-back or through-the-leg “tweener” trick shots.
The 38-year-old, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in February, is waiting — along with every other professional player — for competitive tennis to return.
The men’s and women’s professional tours are suspended until at least mid-July because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
