3 years ago, at the 2017 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Roger Federer, Tommy Haas and Grigor Dimitrov famously performed their own rendition of Chicago’s ‘Hard To Say I’m Sorry’. The video received more than one million views on Federer’s Instagram page. Federer went on to win his fifth Indian Wells title that year. As their performance garnered popularity, the trio was popularly called the ‘Backhand Boys’. During an on-court interview, Roger Federer talked about how the gig came about.
3 years later, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all sports remain suspended. Dimitrov was, of course, missing competing, and he made an Instagram post about it last Saturday. Federer and Haas quickly jumped in with lyrics from that same Chicago song. Haas wrote “Everybody needs a little time away”, to which Federer added, “Even lovers need a holiday.” Although a virtual platform, it was a happy reunion for the Backhand Boys.
Roger Federer had his means to keep himself busy during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown. The 20-time-Grand Slam champion has been spending quality time with his family in Switzerland, and recently also had a video chat with his good friends Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. After losing at the semifinals of the Australian Open, Federer took time off to have knee surgery. The 38-year-old had hoped to rejoin the circuit during the grass leg of the season. However, owing to the COVID-19 situation, the tour has been suspended till July.
Hass recently asked for song suggestions igniting a frenzy to whether tennis fans would see the ‘Backhand Boys’ reunite. Fans would surely love to see this reunion happening again, and only time will tell if they will. Meanwhile, it’s a satisfying feeling to see the updates from our favs and how their family life’s been, and everyone trying out some activity or the other to keep fans entertained and active. So many challenges have been put forth by tennis stars and undoubtedly they have been going viral among their peers and fans alike. While we wait to see them on the court again, we are only thankful to have a glimpse of them and be part of their daily life through social media and wish for their good health and happiness along with all the essential workers working day in and out to keep the world safe.
