Federer e le interviste-maratona (New York Times)

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The questions started almost as soon as Roger Federer’s last match ended, same as always, the news media gantlet often longer and more intense than what happened on the court.

On Saturday, after Federer dispatched Fernando Verdasco in about two hours, after he tossed his wristbands into the stands and put away his rackets, the first of more than a dozen microphones settled inches from his face, on court. For a player perhaps interviewed more than anyone else in tennis history, interviewed more, perhaps, than any other athlete, the routine had started.

It lasted until 7:30 p.m., or longer than his tennis match, as Federer conducted a series of television and radio interviews and two news conferences. He answered questions in three languages. He changed outfits. He took inquiries in rooms and hallways, at the players’ garden and on television sets. He gave answers standing up and sitting down and leaning backward.

“I’ve done so many interviews over the years in so many different languages,” Federer said afterward, in an interview about his interviews. “Radios. Papers. Magazines. There’s always another interview to do. It’s quite something, I have to say.”

The news media carwash started on court Saturday, when Federer did two interviews, one for an in-stadium feed, another for Swiss television. Both outlets asked three questions. It was 5:17 p.m.

There are rules involved in who speaks with Federer on court. The host broadcaster — CBS, ESPN or the Tennis Channel at the United States Open, the BBC at Wimbledon — has top priority, followed by national rights holders, followed by other requests.

When Federer finished those commitments Saturday, he hustled down the corridor at Arthur Ashe Stadium and into the locker room. He changed shirts, albeit into the same sky blue Nike top he wore against Verdasco. Then, escorted by two security guards, he rushed onto the CBS set.

Federer settled into a chair. An assistant affixed another microphone. He crossed his legs and clasped his hands and looked as comfortable as the on-air talent. He deftly turned a question back on his interviewers, with a “like you mentioned,” to begin one response.

The interview finished. The fans behind the railing screamed. Federer waved. Another assistant asked him to take a picture. He obliged, then bounded down the stairs and back into the tunnels.

As he walked, Federer discussed his obligations with his agent, Tony Godsick, and an ATP employee. Federer wanted to push some interviews to Sunday. Another player passed him in the hallway. Federer congratulated him and continued to talk news media strategy without breaking stride. He turned left into the locker room, where he showered and changed and decided to hold his news conferences at 6 p.m. The process required a high level of coordination, more than a dozen handlers and producers and reporters, enough people to land an airplane, or run an N.F.L. offense.

In the most important way, Federer’s performance already answered the most pertinent questions. He looked sharp, same as when he won Wimbledon and made the Olympic final. Yet he still needed to explain the nuances of his afternoon.

The conferences started on time, English first, Swiss news media afterward, their questions delivered in Swiss-German, German and French. Federer said he was always asked for general thoughts and to rate himself on a scale of 1 to 10. He took both those questions again Saturday.

The repetitive nature of the questions can be difficult. When Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic ascended to No. 1, Federer took hundreds of questions about when he would retire, if he would ever win again. He answered those inquiries in multiple languages for years, not months.

“I always joke with him,” Godsick said. “It’s good you don’t speak Italian.” (...)