He is inarguably the greatest tennis player of all time but what makes Roger Federer, a reverred sportsperson, a legend is his “warmth and care” for colleagues, which even touched Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza’s life on a couple of occasions.
In her autobiography ‘Ace against Odds’, Mirza mentions about two separate incidents when the 17-time Grand Slam singles champion inquired about her well-being after she was dragged into unnecessary controversies, and a hilarious episode involving her best friend and the Swiss.
In 2008, a case was registered against Sania for allegedly disrespecting Indian national flag with her feet up in the players’ box while watching teammate Bopanna play.
Sania recalls in her book: “When the case was filed against me for alleged disrespect to the national flag, Roger Federer was among first to inquire about the situation and welfare when I reached Melbourne for the Australian Open.”
That was not the only time Federer inquired about Sania’s well-being, as he did the same after the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai.
Sania writes: “He (Federer) also surprised me many months later with a message of concern when Mumbai was tragically struck by terrorist attacks on Nov 26, 2008. I think this is what makes Roger very special because apart from being a legend, a genius and the greatest ever exponent of his craft, he remains warm, caring, accessible, untouched by fame, and a thorough gentleman.”