Watch: Federer On Fans and Happiness

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Watch: Federer On Fans and Happiness

Every picture tells a story, which is one reason why Roger Federer is so accommodating to his fans seeking selfies and autographs.

Asked his feelings on the frenzy of fans who watch his practices and attend his matches at the BNP Paribas Open, Federer said the support from fans makes him happy.

Watch: BNP Paribas Open Live Blog

"I'm happy for tennis, that there seems to be an excitement, and then I appreciate that there is so many," Federer said. "I don't know, that buy my caps and feel connected that way, or a shirt or whatever it may be, a racquet. I get a chance take a picture with them or sign an autograph for them or make a dream come true, you know. Because maybe many people will never get to see a tennis tournament ever again because either it costs a lot of money or they come from far away."

The 18-time Grand Slam champion says he reminds himself a moment of his time might create a moment that lasts a lifetime for his fans.

"So I always try to tell myself that that person I might have taken a picture with I will maybe never see again," Federer said. "That's why I try to make that moment memorable for the people. Unfortunately, I can't sign them all. I think most fans understand that. That's why I don't get booed if I walk away, even though I could only sign 10 percent. It's nice that especially here there are so many fans that come to practice, and that queue for autographs and pictures, I appreciate that."

Asked what makes him happy off court, the father of two sets of twins said spending time with family and friends is the ultimate source of happiness.

"I'm just really happy with very little. Exactly what that is, it could be anything," Federer said. "Could be dinner with friends. Could be seeing someone again, reading a book to my boys and my girls. I don't know what it is. It could be the most simplest little thing.

"I guess the urge for normality, as well, to some extent that we try to create wherever we go because we live in this funky bubble, tennis world, hotels and all that. It's not the norm, so I'm aware of that. We try to go out and about and discover stuff. It makes me happy when I get away from it all."

Photo credit: Stephen White/CameraSport

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