It’s not that finishes are made on just a particular tour; Roger Federer and Serena Williams, through their ups and downs, have forged a true friendship. Their bond has endured for over 15 years, reflecting a deep mutual respect and connection. Recently, Federer revealed the extent of their long-standing camaraderie, shedding light on how their relationship has evolved and strengthened over time.

Even though both of them bought the WTA and ATP together, whenever they came on the stage together, there was more to the story, with emotions attached to it. Recently, the Swiss tennis legend opened up about the bond he has created with Williams and how they have seen difficult and different times with each other while upholding their names.

Federer started off by saying, “I think with anybody, who played your sport, you have a bond, but even more so with somebody like Serena. We go way back. Played on the same courts. You won the same tournaments. You felt the same amount of pressure.” On the other hand, at the same time, the 42-year-old ATP tennis legend also talked about the admiration he had for Williams back in their playing days.

Further, Federer added, “It’s 15 years seeing each other waiting for each other for me to finish my match so she could play hers or vice versa. So, I mean, I’ve spent hours and hours watching Serena play, of course, and admiring what she’s done as well.” 

Following that, the 23-time Grand Slam champion compared her career to Roger Federer’s in the same video. Not only that, she stressed that although they were in the same generation, she had always seen him as a legendary person who raised the bar for greatness.

Williams said, “My career was weirdly parallel with Roger Federer. He and I were the same age and I always looked up to Roger in a way. He always knew how to handle every single situation, and he always knew how to win. I would study his game and I would say, ‘How do I hit the ball early? How do I move like that? How do I have that footwork like Roger Federer like? I want to study him because he is the best.” 

But in the past, Federer made it apparent how much he admired Serena Williams. He spoke candidly about his respect for her remarkable achievements and the impact she has had on the sport.

Roger Federer admires Serena Williams ‘nerve-wracking’ tennis skills 

In the past, in a joint interview at the 2019 Hopman Cup, Federer made it apparent how much he admired Serena Williams. He spoke candidly about his respect for her remarkable achievements and the impact she has had on the sport.

He said, “Well, I was nervous returning, because you just don’t know. People talk about her serve so much, and I see why it is such a wonderful serve, because you just can’t read it. It was a bit nerve-wracking to be honest, because all of a sudden you’re serving, especially the last serve, I’m like, ‘I’ve got to win this point but it’s Serena Williams!’” 

Federer’s emotional confession about his relationship with Serena Williams highlights the profound mutual respect and admiration that have defined their overlapping careers. Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Federer and Williams’ friendship? Do let us know in the comment section below.