‘Keep Up, Buddy’: Tiger Woods Once Humbly Tamed Roger Federer While Boasting About His Illustrious Career

Legends in their own games, Tiger Woods and Roger Federer are two of the most successful and recognizable athletes of their respective sports. Despite their different paths, the pair have won multiple accolades in their decorated careers. But did you know that the pair developed a strong friendship over the years?

Tiger Woods’ close bond with Roger Federer

Woods is five years senior to Federer, but that hasn’t stopped him from sharing a close friendship with the latter. The pair initially came together after being drafted by the American sports brand, Nike. The move was a highly successful one that projected Woods and Federer as the face of their sport in their prime.

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That association with Nike allowed the two modern-day greats to share a close bond. They often spent time supporting each other, while also adding a quirky take on each other’s major trophy count. While golf has four major championships each year, the tennis calendar features a similar number of grand slams, the sport’s premier event.

Rising through the ranks in similar periods, Woods and Federer were head-to-head on their title count at one point. “He’s definitely the man to beat,” Woods once said back in 2009. “This man is Roger Federer. He’s won 10 majors and counting.”

However, being the champion himself, Woods made a sly dig. “But my name is Tiger Woods. I have 12 majors and counting. So keep up, buddy.”

Tiger Woods or Roger Federer. Who’s the better athlete?

While the pair’s friendship has remained tight, fans of both athletes have clamored over their idol’s dominance over the other. But any debate around the matter is futile because it is impossible to compare the achievements of players that transcend sports.

The pair have grown from teenage sensations to legends in their respective games. A 20-odd Federer was the talk of the tennis world, with onlookers claiming to have seen the future. The boy from Basel didn’t disappoint, as he amazed the world with his talents for the next two decades.

Federer retired from professional tennis last year. Among a plethora of ATP Tour titles, he won a total of 20 Grand Slam titles, five more than Woods’ collection of 15 Major Championships.

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