Seventeen-time Grand Slam tennis champion Roger Federer is gearing up for the Hopman Cup in Western Australia this January, and he’s decided to give fans an inside look at an upcoming hour-long practice session, he announced on Twitter this week.
On Thursday at 5 a.m. EST, the 35-year-old Switzerland native will live stream his practice round from Dubai with No. 15 player in the world, Lucas Pouille, exclusively on Twitter and Periscope. Before and after the practice round, Federer will also conduct a live Q&A session with fans who tune into the broadcast.
As a special thanks to my fans who’ve been supporting me, on Thur 22nd @ 2pm Dubai
, I’ll broadcast my practice LIVE on Twitter & Periscope
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) December 19, 2016
Over the past few months, other athletes and sports media have also leveraged Twitter and Periscope to further engage with their audience. During the current NFL season, ex Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter teamed up with Twitter to provide pre- and post-game commentary and analysis on Periscope during Thursday Night Football broadcasts.
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Additionally, retired tennis star Andy Roddick has even found ways to monetize live streaming on social platforms, partnering with Grey Goose and Chase around the most recent U.S. Open. Throughout the live stream, Roddick could be seen drinking a Grey Goose Honey Deuce cocktail and giving the brand some added product placement and on-air exposure.
Two traditions at the #USOpen, night tennis and enjoying a @GreyGoose #HoneyDeuce pic.twitter.com/2M3Wn4k798
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 8, 2016