LONDON -- The top tennis stars in the world probably didn't expect their grooming routines to come under such scrutiny when they assembled for this week's ATP season finale at the O2 Arena.
However, first Andy Murray was forced to explain his decision to administer a quick DIY mid-match haircut during a changeover against Rafael Nadal, and now Roger Federer is getting quizzed on his increasingly rugged beard.
He had initially joked after his win over Novak Djokovic that there must have been "something in the water" in London when he shaved on Tuesday.
Is it a good luck charm, something he will only shave off when he loses here at the O2 Arena?
"If it itches too much, I'll take it off," Federer said in his press conference after beating Kei Nishikori. "If my girls can't stand it, I'll take it off. If I look in the mirror and I don't like it, I'll take it off.
"Maybe I'll think of Santa and keep it. It's [Christmas] around the corner. I don't know yet."
Perhaps the attention paid by the media to the 17-time grand slam winner's facial hair is only natural, given Federer was a former ambassador for men's shaving brand Gillette.
But more importantly, what does Mirka make of it all? "Yeah, she's fine with it. I mean, she's okay, I guess. I do take decisions by myself sometimes," Federer added with a smile.
"I don't know about your wife, but I'm allowed to."
Federer will face either Murray or Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the semifinals this weekend -- maybe the beard will take a back seat for that one.