Estoril Open News and Events

Rossi and Federer

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ATP World No. 1 Roger Federer took time out from his preparations for the Estoril Open to visit the Portuguese MotoGP on Sunday.

The Swiss, who was invited by his sponsor Emmi, joined Tournament Director João Lagos at the Circuito do Estoril, where he met seven-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi.

Federer took a keen interest in the fortunes of his compatriot and 250cc rider Tom Lüthi and visited Rossi in his motor home prior to the race.

"It's been a great experience and I had a lot of fun here,” said Federer. “I enjoyed watching Tom's race and it was very nice to meet Valentino.

“I'm glad that I became a tennis player and not a motorcyclist. This would be too dangerous for me.”

The 26-year-old received a warm welcome from the crowd when he walked onto the grid prior to the start of the MotoGP race.

He then returned to the Estadio Nacional for practice ahead of his first round clash against Olivier Rochus of Belgium.

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