Roger Federer receives love and respect from several generations. In fact, he is one of those athletes who enjoys adoration from fans of other sports as well. The reason is very obvious. Apart from his fabulous skill set, Federer has lived up to the standards of the gentleman’s sport.

The Swiss tennis star has always kept himself humble, regardless of the heights he has achieved in tennis. A very good example of it was found in his recent interaction with a young fan.

Roger Federer and Zizou’s story

The 20-times Grand Slam champion years ago made a promise to a young aspiring boy, who wished to play against him. This year, after his 41st birthday, he fulfilled the same. Amidst the clouds of lost form and retirement, the legendary Swiss kept his promise.

He shared a clip on his Instagram detailing his interaction with the awestruck fan. Federer wrote in the caption, “One of the great benefits of this unbelievable sport are moments like these. Zizou, all the best and keep working hard.”

“P.S. I always keep my pinky promises,” he added. Back in 2017, in one of his press conferences at the US Open, Federer met five-year-old Zizou in a press conference earlier in which the little boy asked. “Hi Mr. Federer, can you please continue to play for eight, nine years so I can play you when I go pro?” To which with a big smile on his face, he responded, “Yes.”

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But it wasn’t enough assurance for the curious kid. Therefore, Zizou decided to go for a stronger bond. He said, “Is that a promise?” And Federer nodded and answered, “Pinky promise.” 

Now skipping to this week, the Swiss legend kept his promise and surprised Zizou with a practice match and said, “We made a promise right, we gotta play. Have fun, okay.”

Federer’s comeback

The 41-year-old is yet to make a comeback. He walked out of the circuit after facing a quarterfinals defeat against Hubert Hurkacz at last year’s Wimbledon Championships.

Following Wimbledon, he underwent a few surgeries to tend to his pestering knee problem and currently is in recovery. The former world no.1 has signed up for the Swiss Indoors Basel, which will commence in October.

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Federer will compete for his 11th title in his home town, and the tournament will mark the official comeback of the 20-time Grand Slam champ to the ATP tour.