File this one in the annals of Australian TV history under “truly bizarre moments.” The Australian Open is well underway in Melbourne, and thus the broadcasting team is taking every opportunity they can to spice up the moments in their non-stop coverage that aren’t filled with the dotted silence of tennis actually being played. For reasons we cannot possibly comprehend, last night that spicing somehow involved Will Ferrell.
Ferrell is no stranger to sports broadcasts, as most of you would be well aware. But somehow, for some reason, last night Ferrell trotted out onto centre court at Rod Laver Arena to snatch a microphone and playfully interview Roger Federer.
Firstly, the Step Brother himself is indeed in Melbourne right now attending the Australian Open off his own back. Who bloody knew.
As a result of that, and some probable light coercion from a game producer, we now have this footage of Will Ferrell, half in-character as Ron Burgundy, prodding 36-year-old Federer with questions like “would you describe your game as a silky gazelle?” and “are you a vampire or a witch?”
Please to enjoy, folks.
“Roger, would you describe your game as a silky gazelle?”
Anchorman hits @rogerfederer with the hard questions… 😂#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/l6gAphIqKh
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018
Credit where it’s due, it’s a far cry from Jim Courier awkwardly trying to be Your Best Mate™ on TV every time the open rolls around. And Federer’s quick wit was more than a match for Ferrell’s improv work.
Now if we can just get Will into the commentary box to call a match alongside Henri Leconte, we’ll really be in business.
