‘I’m Sure I’ll Get Fined for It’: How the Stardom of Roger Federer Once Got Tiger Woods in Trouble

Roger Federer has decided to retire from the sport of tennis after an illustrious career of 24 years. The tennis star has been an inspiration to many, in and beyond the court of tennis. Following his retirement announcement, we take a look back at an amazing story between Federer and a legend whom many consider the greatest in the sport of golf: Tiger Woods.

Though both athletes are separated by their respective sports, both Federer and Woods have a lot in common. Both stars dominated their respective sports during the same period. Moreover, Woods has a long-standing relationship with Nike, which Federer too had until 2018 when the tennis star jumped to the Japanese apparel brand, Uniqlo.

However, back in 2007, during the prime days of the athletes, both stars shared a memorable moment at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa. Let’s take a look at how Federer almost got Tiger Woods fined for his actions!

Tiger Woods brings Roger Federer to the golf course

In 2007, both Woods and Federer were competing in the same city at the same time. Tiger Woods was competing at the WGC-CA Championship while Roger Federer was taking part at the Sony Ericsson Open. With only 20 miles separating the athletes, Federer decided to pay his golfer friend a visit at the Blue Monster Golf Course.

As the 20-time Grand Slam winner approached the ropes, fans began to crowd around him. Tiger saw this and decided to bring the Tennis star inside the ropes. Access inside the ropes is often limited to accredited news media. However, Woods said he felt it was necessary for Federer to join him.

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“I’m sure I’ll get fined for it,” Woods said. “I don’t mind paying because he was starting to get hassled pretty good. That’s not why he came out here. He came out here to enjoy himself and watch me slap it around a bit.” Whether Tiger got fined or not is still unclear.

However, once Federer returned to play at the Sony Ericsson Open, he shared his experience at the tournament. He said, “I went to see Tiger and it’s not the easiest thing. I walked inside of the ropes, but to go see him play golf is kind of tough. You never really see him. You only see backs of other people. I guess tennis is a bit more fan friendly in that respect”.

Despite their different sporting backgrounds, both legends share a lot in common. Tiger Woods as well as Roger Federer are considered sporting royalty. Though both men have been seen supporting each other during their respective events, we won’t be able to see Tiger motivating Roger in the near future. However, since Woods is still considered an active golfer, we can expect Federer near the ropes in support of the 15-time Major winner.

What are your thoughts on Federer’s retirement announcement? Let us know in the comments below.

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