Roger Federer: 'Today I'm your biggest fan'

Roger Federer is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of any era, if not the greatest. The Swiss phenomenon is a fan of many other disciplines, having often paid homage to the best athletes in the world. The last recipient of the 20-time Grand Slam champion's good wishes was compatriot and NHL player Roman Josi. On Wednesday, Josi received several congratulatory messages from his teammates, family and friends during a mini-event at Bridgestone Arena, where Mayor John Cooper proclaimed September 23 as Roman Josi Day. The captain of the Nashville Predators is was genuinely surprised hearing the message of a legend like Federer. Josi, who was awarded the award for best defender of the season, thus became the first Swiss to achieve one of the most prestigious ice hockey renaissance. In his speech, Roger confided that he has always been a huge fan of Josi and that he follows hockey whenever he gets the chance.

Federer congratulates Roman Josi

“Hello it's Roger Federer here, I wanted to congratulate Roman Josi on winning the Norris Trophy best defensive player of the year in NHL,” Federer said. “And I’m a big hockey fan myself for a long, long time and I just wanted to send my best regards here all the way from Switzerland.” Roger Federer continued to wax lyrical about Roman Josi, even revealing he was the ‘biggest fan’ of the Predators’ captain. “He’s the first Swiss man also to do so and Roman’s also been a big fan of mine over, well for, since a long time,” Federer continued. “I know Roman since over 10 years now but today I’m your biggest fan, Roman. I’m so happy for you, I’m so proud of you and I wish you all the very best for your future.” Federer is far from the courts from the historic performance with Rafael Nadal in Cape Town, which set a new attendance record for a tennis match. After undergoing two operations on his right knee, the 39-year-old from Basel decided to take the time to recover physically and mentally. The next goal will be the Australian Open 2021. Meanwhile, Djokovic has climbed into second on the ATP’s all-time weeks at No.1 list as he celebrates his 287th overall week at the top of the ATP rankings. The Serb passes the great Pete Sampras on the list, and is now just 23 weeks behind Roger Federer’s record of 310 weeks at No.1.

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