THE BEST OF Scotland was on display in Glasgow on Tuesday, including shortbread, Irn Bru and a returning Andy Murray, but it was the sight of Roger Federer playing tennis while wearing a kilt that stole the show during the light-hearted exhibition match.
Murray, who has not played since a quarter-final defeat to Sam Querrey at Wimbledon, faced off against the Swiss maestro as the highlight of a charity event.
The proud Scot lost 6-3 3-6 10-6 on a champions tie-break, but the real winners were undoubtedly the fans in attendance, who had the pleasure of witnessing Federer in the finest tartan.
At the end of the first set, Federer said during a courtside interview that he would gladly wear a kilt if one was produced and the 19-time grand slam singles champion quickly found himself dressed in the traditional Highland attire to roars of delight from the crowd.
🚨 This is not a drill! 🚨@RogerFederer is playing tennis in a kilt... and he's still winning points 😎 pic.twitter.com/eAFohJPsod
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) November 7, 2017
Typically, Federer played with ageless grace and managed to hold serve, with the fans – and Murray – clearly amused.
“It was matching to my outfit, I couldnt believe [it],” Federer said of his impromptu costume change.
“I couldn’t believe how quickly it was organised. When I took it off I felt naked, it felt nice and snug and heavy.”
Murray himself later got in on the dress-up act, wearing a comedy tartan hat and wig during the tie-break.
Before the match, Federer also tweeted a picture of a pre-match gift from Murray, which included homemade shortbread from his granny and a can of Irn Bru.
Murray, who before the match spoke of his desire to return early in 2018, had said on court about his comeback from a hip injury: “I was very nervous beforehand, I didn’t know how I’d feel.
Can’t get a warmer welcome than this. Thanks @andy_murray ... is this your usual pre-match routine? 🍪 pic.twitter.com/mWntwqvDPA
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) November 7, 2017
“But I did okay. It was good and I’m really just so happy to be back on the court and playing in front of everyone.
“I’ve really, really missed it hopefully I’ll be back beginning of next year.”
Here’s hoping.
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