Ad-In/Ad-Out: Federer, Roddick in new TV spots

A pair of new television advertisements appeared over the weekend, depicting Roger Federer as a Sumo wrestler and Andy Roddick wearing a fern. (Yes, really).

First, Federer and soccer star Lionel Messi team up—or, rather, trade places—in a Gillette commercial that has them wielding top-secret razors that transport them to scenes where they embody unlikely athletes. For example, Federer as a Japanese wrestler and then a soccer goalie. (Did he stop Messi's shot or didn't he? The world must know.) Messi himself becomes a cricket player and Federerian tennis pro at various points:

Then, in a Super Bowl spot touting FOX Sports 1's roster of retired athletes turned broadcasters, Roddick donned a fern to "hide" in the shot before he and ex-NBA player Gary Payton revealed themselves, that just before former NFL pro Donovan McNabb smashed through a well to enter the scene. Don't try to understand or explain it, by any means. Just watch it here:

What do you think of these new commercial showings? The Spin has it like this: Ad-in, Federer. Ad-out, Roddick. The former's guest spot arrives sleek and polished, while being a bit goofy. (That image of Fed as Sumo—don't let it leave your noggin.) Meanwhile, the ad featuring A-Rod's appearance, as with most Super Bowl bits of its kind, comes on as sort of a mess.

Got a thought, a tip, or a point to make? Hit me on Twitter @jonscott9.