Not Rafael Nadal! Roger Federer names his real 'best friend on tour' in viral throwback

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal also share a close friendship due to their frequent meetings on the tour.

An old interview with Roger Federer, which he gave during the Davis Cup, has resurfaced on social media. The Swiss maestro was asked a few rapid-fire questions about his choices in the interview from his favourite album to naming his best friend on tour.

Starting with his favourite holiday place, the 20-time Grand Slam champion named the Maldives. Continuing the game, the former Swiss tennis star was asked to reveal his pop culture choice. When asked about his favourite album. He said, “Maybe Michael Jackson, the very best.”

Additionally, he named Gus Van Sant’s 1997 movie Good Will Hunting as his favourite. Later, the 20-time Grand Slam champion was asked about his best friend on the tour, and he replied, “Maybe, Tim Henman.”

Tim Henman and Roger Federer have been good friends both personally and professionally. The Briton retired in 2007, when Federer was ranked No. 1 on the ATP World Tour.

Meanwhile, they have faced each other 13 times on the tour, with the former Swiss tennis star leading the head-to-head tally with 7-6.

Interestingly, the Briton won six of the initial seven matches between the two before Federer went on a six-match unbeaten streak against Henman.

Also Read: Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic? Rafael Nadal names player who was easier to face

However, the Briton leads Federer 5-0 in their indoor hardcourt fixtures, while they have never faced each other on clay.

The former British tennis star also paid tribute to the 20-time Grand Slam champion after he announced his retirement from professional tennis in 2022.

He told Eurosport, “I think what we witnessed with the retirement of Roger was so emotional for so many different reasons, First and foremost, one of the greatest, most influential and most loved players in our sport was retiring.”

He also billed Federer as a great friend and affirmed that many players have been inspired by the former Swiss tennis star. While lauding him for his technique, talent and balance, Henman also showed his grief that the tennis world won’t be able to see Roger Federer’s flair again.

He said, “To someone I call a great friend, it is very special. There are going to be lots of people who aspire to play the way Federer played, but it is his technique, his talent and his balance that have been unique.

That is why I don’t believe there will be anyone to play with that style which made him unique. It is sad that we won’t be able to see that again, but I am sure there will be happy times ahead for Roger.”

Meanwhile, when Tim Henman retired from tennis, Federer said (via the Telegraph), “I had some great matches against Tim, and he’s one of my best friends on tour, so it will be difficult when he’s not around any more.”

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