Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer has taken time out on his trip to Australia and made the journey to Rottnest Island for a famous quokka selfie.
Federer said it was his second visit to the island and he was excited to have another opportunity to get a quokka selfie after he failed in his quest last year.
‘I thought it was like a bigger mouse, but it’s more like a smaller kangaroo,’ he told reporters.
Tennis legend Roger Federer has taken time out on his trip to Australia and made the journey to Rottnest Island for a famous quokka selfie
Federer said it was his second visit to the island and he was excited to have another opportunity to get a quokka selfie after he failed in his quest last year
The tennis champion is in Perth again for the Hopman Cup before defending his Australian Open title in January
Federer said he was aware of the social media influence he had and was happy to promote Perth
The tennis champion is in Perth again for the Hopman Cup before defending his Australian Open title in January.
He arrived in Perth on Wednesday night with his family and flew to Rottnest Island by helicopter on Thursday morning to mingle with eager fans at Parakeet Bay.
He also had a hit with some children on the beach, took time to pose for many photographs and even signed a beach umbrella.
Premier Mark McGowan and Tourism Minister Paul Papalia greeted the grand slam champion on the island, with Federer describing Rottnest as a great holiday destination.
‘I do understand there is a lot of power in that and I like sharing certain moments that I have on the tour, it’s a great way to connect with the people,’ Federer said
The premier, who gave Federer a toy quokka named Roger for his children to share, said he hoped the photographs Federer posted to his millions of social media followers would help boost tourism to WA
Premier McGowan joked Federer spent about half an hour trying to get the perfect quokka selfie, taking about 10,000 photographs
Federer quipped he would not retire to Rottnest Island, but ‘maybe in the city’.
Mr McGowan joked Federer spent about half an hour trying to get the perfect quokka selfie and had taken about 10,000 photographs.
‘He was a great sport, the quokka seemed to like him,’ Mr McGowan said.
After charming his fans and signing a few umbrellas, Federer spent some time with the native quokka’s
The father-of-four took some time to sign tennis balls and chat to the local children during his visit
All smiles! The tennis ace practices his winning serve with a few young tennis fans on the beach
Learning from the master, the local children enjoy a few tricks by the champion himself
Federer will no doubt be enjoying the sun and surf during his Australian visit
The premier, who gave Federer a toy quokka named Roger for his children to share, said he hoped the photographs Federer posted to his millions of social media followers would help boost tourism to WA.
Federer said he was aware of the social media influence he had and was happy to promote Perth.
‘I do understand there is a lot of power in that and I like sharing certain moments that I have on the tour, it’s a great way to connect with the people,’ he said.
The tennis champion is in Perth again for the Hopman Cup before defending his Australian Open title in January
Federer will no doubt spend some time relaxing on the idyllic island before gearing up for the Hopman Cup in early January in Perth
Federer and Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan relax in the sun at Rottnest Island
Federer said he was aware of the social media influence he had and was happy to promote Perth
Federer said playing at the Hopman Cup was excellent preparation for the Australian Open in Melbourne.
While the 36-year-old still enjoys playing tennis and has no plans to retire, it could still be the last chance Perth people will have to see him play live.
‘As long as I’m healthy and happy to play, I’ll keep doing that and then we’ll see when the end is,’ he said.
‘I hope it’s not my last time, I hope it’s not my last year on tour, I hope there’s more to come.’
What a view! The tennis star took in the stunning scenery as he flew into Rottnest Island on Thursday
Federer address the media with his new toy quokka, given to him by the premier for his children to share
Mr McGowan joked Federer spent about half an hour trying to get the perfect quokka selfie
Federer and his young helper cooked a seafood BBQ lunch on board the Anya at Rottnest Island
While the 36-year-old still enjoys playing tennis and has no plans to retire, it could still be the last chance Perth people will have to see him play live