Federer blows his own trumpet

GSTAAD, Switzerland (Reuters) - Last year Swiss Open organisers gave Roger Federer a cow -- named Juliette -- for winning the Wimbledon title.


On Tuesday, after returning home following the successful defence of his Wimbledon crown, Federer received something from the organisers that may keep her in check -- an alphorn.


Federer was handed the long, trumpet-like instrument traditionally used to herd livestock while being given a standing ovation as he strode out on court in Gstaad on Tuesday.


"It's nice to get the welcome and unfortunately it wasn't such nice weather but still a lot of people were here," said Federer.


"I don't know if I can take this (Alphorn) on the plane. It's quite long. It would take me about ten rows in economy to put that thing somewhere!


"I'll probably leave it at home. Once I get a big enough place I'll put it against the wall and it will remind me of the good times."


The Gstaad tournament's top-seed, who defeated American Andy Roddick in four sets at Wimbledon on Sunday, was told by tournament director Koebi Hermanjat he had to play the instrument for the crowd.


He got an immediate note after watching two experts play.


"Somehow I did the right thing at the right moment," Federer said of his immediate mastery of the technique.


"But then I had to pose again for photos and I tried to do it again and then it didn't work.


"Under pressure I was strong when the people were listening so that was important."


Federer, who had said he hoped he was not given another cow for winning the grasscourt grand slam, told local radio in Geneva on Monday that Juliette had given birth to a calf and he felt he would not be able to look after more than the two.


He plays German Tomas Behrend in his first round match later on Tuesday.