How Channel 7 hooked their Anchorman: ‘Don’t act like you’re not impressed’

THE chain of events that led to Will Ferrell’s hilarious interview with Roger Federer is remarkable in itself. To use a line from his character Ron Burgundy in Anchorman: “Don’t act like you’re not impressed.”

Alex de Minaur of Australia reacts after being defeated by Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic during round one, on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament, in Melbourne, Tuesday, January 16, 2018. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

THE chain of events that led to Will Ferrell’s hilarious on-court interview with Roger Federer began with a tip-off about a seating change.

DAY THREE: ALL THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN NEWS AND RESULTS

A young producer in the Channel 7 bunker got word that the Hollywood star was moving from the presidential seats which he’d occupied on day one to front row courtside for Tuesday night’s match.

This was seen as an opening to at least get some access to Ferrell.

Exactly how they would do that was then spit-balled by the Seven hierarchy before the idea to get him on court with his hero Federer emerged.

Hollywood star Will Ferrell and wife Viveca Paulin watch the second-round match between Caroline Wozniacki and Jana Fett on Day 3. Picture: Getty Images

ANCHORMAN: WILL FERRELL’S HILARIOUS INTERVIEW WITH FEDERER

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Making that happen involved a lot of negotiation with a number of different parties. Channel 7 went to Tennis Australia who initially needed some convincing.

Ferrell’s personal assistant was contacted and came back with a positive response but then there was the issue of getting clearance for John McEnroe to get involved.

It was figured that his presence would help avoid any potential awkwardness but that meant getting the approval of Eurosport, who he was working for as a commentator.

Will Ferrell enjoys another session at Melbourne Park. Picture: Getty Images

Federer’s camp were told of the plan although the man himself was kept in the dark.

Ferrell spoke with Channel 7’s producers before the match and said he was more than happy to slip into the character of Ron Burgundy, the bumbling newsreader from Anchorman.

He was told he could ask whatever he wanted with one proviso that he finished with: “Stay classy Melbourne.”

As we know the rest is history and that young producer delivered a gold mine of worldwide publicity for Channel 7 and the Australian Open.

Melbourne landmark Flinders Street Station is seen on one of Roger Federer’s shoes, while the number five indicates the number of Australian Open titles he has won. Picture: Getty Images

IT’S NO MEAN FEET, ROGER

CAN the love for Roger Federer get any stronger?

You would think not but then he goes and does this with his fancy pink and black runners for the Australian Open.

In typical classy Federer fashion, the reigning champion had Nike add a picture of Flinders Street station and the number five — a reference to his five singles wins at Melbourne Park.

Alex De Minaur, dubbed “Little Lleyton”, makes his departure after a devil of a day. Picture: AAP

DEVIL’S IN THE DETAIL FOR ALEX

ALEX De Minaur has certainly captured the hearts of the nation over the past couple of weeks.

Despite his first-round exit at the hands of Tomas Berdych, the teenager was still able to have a laugh in his post-match interview, particularly when it came to his choice of nickname.

De Minaur has been dubbed ‘Little Lleyton’ given he’s showed the same fighting qualities to Aussie great Lleyton Hewitt but he’s elected to go with something else.

“I’m going to go with ‘Demon’. That’s probably the first one I’ve had. I’m going to stick with it. It’s got a good, nice little ring to it.”

Caroline Wozniacki was as much as $21 @tabcomau before saving two match points in her second round #AusOpen  clash against Jana Fett. https://t.co/owvo912QnF

— Sky Sports Radio (@SkySportsRadio1) January 17, 2018

GRAND

For punters who like betting on the run, the Caroline Wozniacki comeback was a windfall for those who kept faith in the No. 2 seed. When she was down 1-5 and facing two match points in the third set, the TAB offered $21 about her getting the chocolates.

And the winner is ... Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki (left) shakes hands with Croatia's Jana Fett after winning their second-round match. Picture: AFP

SLAM

The rush to be first can be a dangerous trap in the social media world. Keen observers report a Tennis Australia tweet briefly appeared on the airwaves declaring Wozniacki out in a major upset. Oppps.

THE WHISPER

Tennis stars don’t struggle for a quid which is why there were raised eyebrows at a popular Richmond seafood restaurant over the weekend. One of the biggest names in the sport who is known for his tightness on the court, couldn’t find a couple of extra coins to reward the staff who’d made sure his entourage was well and truly looked after.