Roger Federer Shows Off His Bold Side in IPTL Play, Leaves Fans Wanting More

Roger Federer has a wild side.

He brought it with him to India and hopefully he takes on the ATP Tour.

Federer's bodacious side emerged in New Delhi during his debut in the International Premier Tennis League. 

The normally sophisticated Federer displayed a playfulness seldom seen from him. At times Federer strutted with a hint of "in your face," attitude. He was dancing courtside, shoulder-bumping, hand-slapping and fist-pumping.

It was an unexpected, yet appreciated display from Federer. So often refined and reserved, Federer ditched his sometimes aristocratic aloofness. He remained country-club smooth. However, he decided to dazzle the crowd. 

Manish Swarup/Associated Press

Clearly feeding off the energy created by the bombastic atmosphere at IPTL events, Federer released his inner swagger.

The man was prancing around acting like he owned the place. He did. As successful as the IPTL's launch has been, fans were eagerly waiting his appearance. He didn't disappoint. They got Federer in all his greatness, plus a bit of show off. 

When asked to describe his IPTL experience, Federer told reporters "It's crazy. But it's good fun."

An international sports superstar, Federer is accustomed to fans cheering him on. But even he seemed genuinely surprised and delighted with the rock-star treatment he got in India.

He told the IPTL media, "I was excited when I saw the lights flashing while introducing me, it was a goose-bump atmosphere. It was definitely a very cool moment for me in my career."

It's unclear what got into the 17-time Grand Slam champion. Perhaps Micromax Indian Aces teammate Gael Monfils, a walking house party, rubbed off on Federer. Dude was making high-flying Monfils-style shots. He even crushed a sick overhead against Novak Djokovic that brought fans to their feet. 

A few weeks ago, during a Davis Cup rubber, Federer seemed annoyed with Monfils for repeatedly backing away from serving because of crowd noise.

Fast-forward to an IPTL doubles match with Monfils and now Federer is hot-dogging it too. Monfils rarely passes up a chance to show off. So parked at the net, with a ball floating toward him, he smacked it for a winner, slam-dunk style. 

That's when he and Federer celebrated the point with a leaping shoulder-bump. 

Known mostly for his singles play, Federer seems to relish playing on a team. In November, he helped Switzerland win its first Davis Cup title. He quickly embraced his Indian Aces teammates.

After his first match in India, Federer told reporters being part of a team was one of the reasons he likes the IPTL. "It’s also a fun team aspect, because the tour can get lonely for some us sometimes. It gives us an opportunity to be part of something special. Motivates you for the following season."

The IPTL matches were more competitive than typical exhibitions. Yet the exhibition feel to the matches seems to have allowed Federer to relax and let go. 

Letting loose didn't hinder his tennis. Instead, he played better, making one ridiculous shot after another. 

Meanwhile, Indian media gushed over Federer. The Hindustan Times chronicled the fan reaction to Federer. Bollywood and cricket stars came out to see Federer. The Times of India ran the headline: "Roger Federer Mesmerizes Delhi." The Indian edition of the International Business Times ran a story with the header: "Roger Federer, the Otherwordly Tennis Being, Graces India with Ridiculous Class and Style."

Otherworldy? That's how many Federer fanatics see the Maestro, as something not of this earth. Federer carries himself with such grace that sometimes fans forget that even at 33, he's still a young man.

Of course, he has a wife and four small kids at home. Perhaps for Federer the IPTL is like one of those work retreats where you're on holiday but still sort of on the job.

He's earning a paycheck and hanging out with Monfils, that crazy single dude that gets the side-eye from the wife. No need for the Mrs. to worry. The retreat is over soon and Federer will return to his sophisticated self.

Too bad.