shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > Cow Roger Federer milks gushing Chinese adulation

'Cow' Roger Federer milks gushing Chinese adulation

Updated on: 13 October,2017 08:44 AM IST  |  Shanghai
AFP |

Roger Federer calls the city his second home and the man fondly known as "Cow" in China had his fans in a froth on his return to the Shanghai Masters

'Cow' Roger Federer milks gushing Chinese adulation

Roger Federer calls the city his second home and the man fondly known as "Cow" in China had his fans in a froth on his return to the Shanghai Masters. Already hugely popular in China because of his easygoing personality and outstanding success, the Swiss legend had the crowd swooning once more following his victory on Wednesday.


Roger Federer
Roger Federer


"I'm a star," he told his adoring supporters — known in China as "Milk Powder" — in the local dialect after defeating Argentina's Diego Schwartzman in his tournament opener. Federer's "Cow" moniker stems from a Swiss tournament twice gifting him one of the animals. The first was Juliette in 2003 and then there was Desiree in 2013. Chinese also consider his personality — they see him as gentle and mellow — to be similar to that of a cow. Federer's very passable attempt at Shanghainese — the on-court compere said he wanted to teach Federer a useful phrase — was the talk of Weibo, China's version of Twitter.


Earlier in the week, Federer rode the city's subway lines as part of the build up to the Shanghai Masters and chatted with other passengers. Dozens of fans were decked out in red T-shirts and held aloft matching signs reading "Welcome Back" as Federer defeated Schwartzman 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK