Roger Federer wants more friction on the ATP Tour...or does he?

According to SI’s Jon Wertheim, Roger Federer wants to see more friction on the ATP Tour.

Well, provided that the players are humble, and, um, classy. As Wertheim says, Federer does seem a bit conflicted on the matter. Still, his thoughts are pretty interesting. Here’s what he had to say:

Question (from Wertheim): Do you wish there was more friction?

Federer:

“I do, more aggressive characters. That's why I like the guys who are actually a bit cocky or confident. I like that. I think it's important to be, as well. Not silly, but still really believing, you know.

“I was like that when I was younger. But for me, my hero was Edberg He was very humble. Even [Michael] Jordan--I only know the surface of Jordan--but to me he always seemed like he was style, classy. I don't know if he was not like that here in the States. I don't know what his perception was. But that's how I always saw him, this elegant guy in winning and defeat. I wanted to be like that eventually … But trends have gone the other way. When you do win, everybody lies on the floor now, runs into the crowd. Sometimes I wish everybody wouldn't go crazy. Back in the day it was a handshake and a jump over the net. I understand how it used to be … But, I mean, I just want the game to be represented the right way. I think tennis is a very classy sport. I think it is important at the end of the day to stay humble because nobody is bigger than the game. The game will always be bigger than anybody. Players come and go. If you know that, that's fine, you know.”

So, to summarize: Friction, good. Humble, better (or should we say “Betterer?”) 

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