Roger Federer is a legend in tennis, but that doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy it as a fan! He has enjoyed being a follower of various sporting greats and engaged in many other sports. Likewise, he is an enormous rugby enthusiast. As Federer was recently seen rooting for his favorite team at the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa, a humorous old clip resurfaced with a certain old acquaintance from the same.

Federer’s backing of the Springboks has certainly been apparent over the last few years. As the legendary 42-year-old Swiss tennis player supported the Springboks, a powerful old video has started doing the rounds on the Internet. With an impassioned statement in 2019, the 20-time Grand Slam champion overwhelmed Siya Kolisi, the captain of the South African team.

Roger Federer once overwhelmed Siya Kolisi with an emotional message 

Nearly 4 years ago, Roger Federer sent his encouragement and support for the South African rugby team by sending a video message to the Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. The 20-time Grand Slam champion’s video message was shown to the captain in an interview with CNN, just before his team faced off against Japan in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.

In that video, the former world number one said, “Let’s go, Springboks; you guys can do it, and I am supporting you guys. I’m your – not number one fan because I don’t know all the rules – but I will be supporting you. Oh God! I’d be the worst Rugby guy ever!”

In fact, alongside spending a lot of time in South Africa, the Swiss Maestro has also followed the country’s rugby team because of his mother. – who is South African. Federer’s message regarding supporting the team was something that Kolisi didn’t really expect. But at the same time, he was on cloud nine after receiving his support.

Kolisi, naturally, was left in astonishment and overwhelmed with the backing received from a tennis legend. After that, in 2021, the Springbok captain got the opportunity to spend time with Federer, but not in a sporting capacity exactly. As far as chance encounters go, that was one for the history books!

READ MORE – Springboks Fan Roger Federer – Why Is South Africa So Special to the Tennis Legend?

Springbok captain Kolisi’s admiration for Roger Federer

The South African rugby player and the 20-time Grand Slam winner accidentally crossed paths in Zurich two years ago. While Federer was in town with his entire family, the 32-year-old rugby player featured on the Swiss’s Twitter update, in which he wrote, “Anyone need a tourist guide? I found a Springbok roaming the streets of Zurich… What a pleasure to see you Siya”.

Subsequently, during an interview with the French television program ‘Sports Dimanche’, Kolisi was startled by Federer’s humanity and down-to-earth nature. He said, “Someone like him; he’s so big here. But when you sit down with him, you forget how big of an icon he is.” Furthermore, he recounted how the Swiss Maestro showed him around Zurich and got chocolates from Lindt for his daughter’s birthday.

Needless to say, these encounters over the years formed the basis of a deep friendship and mutual respect. What are your thoughts on the rugby fan side of Federer and his relationship with Kolisi? Post your comments in the space provided below.

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