Ferrell tells Federer he plays like ‘silky gazelle’
Defending champion Roger Federer may have dispatched Slovenian Aljaz Bedene in straight sets in his first round victory at the Australian Open, but American comedian Will Ferrell stole the show.
The 19-time grand slam champion was being interviewed on court by tennis great John McEnroe on the second night of the Australian Open when the Anchorman star stepped onto the court in a surprising appearance.
In his famous Anchorman persona of newsreader Ron Burgundy, Ferrell observed that ‘‘in the immortal words of Ron Burgundy it’s great to be here with two tennis legends Roger Federer and John McIntosh’’.
‘‘Roger, tonight you seemed like a gazelle out there on the court, would you describe your game as like a silky gazelle?’’ Ferrell asked as the crowd erupted into laughter.
‘‘Maybe. Maybe not. Don’t they get eaten at the end,’’ an amused Federer asked.
‘‘Not if they’re fast enough,’’ Ferrell responded.
The Hollywood actor then drew more roars of laughter from the crowd when he questioned the ace Swiss tennis star about his youthful looks.
‘‘Quick question Roger. You’re 36-yearsold, you seem ageless,’’ Ferrell quipped. ‘‘Are you a witch or a vampire?’’ ‘‘Which one’s better?’’ asked McEnroe. ‘‘Probably a vampire,’’ replied Ferrell. The hilarious, and at times, cringeworthy exchange didn’t end there, with Ferrell probing Federer on the secret to his sporting success.
‘‘There’s a rumour in the men’s locker room that you love coming to play down here in Melbourne and your secret to fitness is you only eat wombat meat,’’ Ferrell asked. ‘‘Is that true?’’
‘‘That is untrue,’’ Federer responded. ‘‘Have you ever tasted wombat meat?’’ Ferrell asked.
‘‘I have not. Should I?’’ Federer laughed. ‘‘It is delicious. The national food of Australia,’’ Ferrell responded.
Ferrell then did his best Australian accent impersonation.
‘‘Roger I know how much this crowd means to you, they’re an amazing crowd. But does it annoy when they just scream ‘‘C’mon Roga! C’mon Roga!’’ over and over again?’’
Ferrell, 50, is making the most of his time in Melbourne. The comedian and his wife, Swedish actress Viveca Paulin, were also spotted in the crowd for Venus Williams’ match against Belinda Bencic.