If asked to describe Roger Federer in three words, qualities like class, grace, and humility surely come to mind. Humility is a virtue of the strong, it depends on how an individual can deal with rising success. Roger Federer has shown us how to stay down-to-earth amidst highs and lows in life. Remember the day when Roger Federer stepped over the net to console his opponent for the first time in his career?

Today, we’re going to look at that beautiful moment from the 2008 Australian Open, when Federer faced France’s Fabrice Santoro.

Revisiting Roger Federer’s heart-warming gesture towards his opponent

The 51-year-old French former tennis player, Fabrice Santoro is known for his longevity in the tennis world. He has played in Grand Slam tournaments for almost four decades. Santoro has a record of making 70 Grand Slam appearances. And, today we’re going to revisit a moment from his 62nd Grand Slam event.

It was just another bright sunny day in Melbourne where the Australian crowd was witnessing yet another show of dominance by the Swiss Maestro. Roger Federer defeated Fabrice Santoro by a 6-1,6-2,6-0 margin in the second round of the Australian Open in 2008.

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The Frenchman tried his best to hold on to the Swiss, but Federer wrapped up the game in only 81 minutes. However, the most memorable moment from that match came when Roger Federer decided to step onto the other side of the court just minutes after destroying his opponent to console him. 

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Fabrice Santoro’s admiration for the Swiss legend

Almost 2 years back, Santoro spoke to the French daily ‘La Telegramme’ about his admiration for the 20-time Grand Slam champion. He revealed Roger Federer was the opponent whom he admired the most during his career.

Santoro said, “Roger Federer! For his elegance, his fair play, his way of making tennis easy when you watch it when it is not at all. He gives an impression of ease which is quite disconcerting. He’s someone who loves everything about tennis, whether it’s training, matches, pressure, or traveling. He’s inhabited by the profession.”

Although Roger Federer was defeated at the hands of the eventual champion, Novak Djokovic at the SF of the Australian Open that year. But he later went on to clinch three more titles at the ‘Happy Slam.’

Federer ended his career with 6 AO titles among his 20 Grand Slam triumphs. Share your memorable moment from the Swiss Maestro’s incredible journey on the court.

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