- Roger Federer spends day with quokkas and tourists on Perth’s Rottnest Island
- The eight-time Wimbledon champion was relaxing ahead of the Hopman Cup
- Federer took photos with the famously tame animals and played tennis with fans
Roger Federer is so well loved across the globe, even marsupials are delighted to meet him. That much was evident as he snapped selfies with Perth’s famously happy quokkas on Thursday.
The current world No 2 is in Western Australia to partake in this weekend’s Hopman Cup and took the chance to visit Perth’s Rottnest Island, famed for the large population of the tame quokka.
Federer was seen snapping selfies with the little creatures and later posted the pick of the bunch to social media, showing the quokka appearing to smile for the camera alongside the living tennis legend.
Roger Federer takes a selfie with the famously friendly quokkas on Australia’s Rottnest Island
The Swiss star is in Perth to partake in the Hopman Cup, which begins on December 30
Federer posted a photo of himself with a quokka, who are renowned for their natural smile
But the quokkas were not the only inhabitants happy to see the five-time Australian Open champion as the nearby beach was littered with young tourists who couldn’t believe their luck.
Federer took the time to play tennis on the beach before signing autographs. He then posed for a photograph in front of a typical Australia paddle board before meeting Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan.
That was it for the fleeting visit, however, and Federer boarded the helicopter once again to return to the mainland, where his preparations for his first tournament of the new season will continue.
Federer flies over Perth Stadium as he travels to Rottnest Island in style via a helicopter
Federer took the time to play tennis with the lucky young tourists joining him on the beach
The 36-year-old signed autographs for young fans as part of a promotional tour of Perth
The Hopman Cup, designed as a mixed alternative to the Davis and Fed Cup, will be played over the course of the week starting December 30 and will see a eight teams pitted against one another.
Federer, who will play with world No 74 Belinda Bencic for the Swiss, will be looking to win the tournament for the first time since 2001. Alexandre Zverev (Germany), Jack Sock (USA) and David Goffin (Belgium) will be standing in his way.
His main aim will, however, be to return to Europe with another Australian Open title and his 20th grand slam. Federer announced his miraculous comeback by beating Rafa Nadal in the Melbourne final last year, setting them both on course for a return to the top of world tennis. The Australian Open begins on January 15.
Federer of Switzerland poses with a stand up paddle board and children on the idyllic beach
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan presents the with a toy quokka