The Helvetians, Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka, are one of the most revered compatriot pairs in men’s tennis. Whenever they lock horns with each other on the elite courts of tennis, the entire country of Switzerland is busy enjoying their battle.

More than their singles Grand Slam victories, their doubles Gold Medal from 2008 Beijing Olympics and their victory at  2014 Davis Cup are special to them. To this day, the Swiss pair cherishes those triumphant episodes of their careers.

Wawrinka has spent significant time in his career with Federer. Over the course of all these years, Stan has had enough chances to learn from his legendary compatriot. He revealed the most valuable advice received from Roger when asked about the same. He mentioned the 20-time Grand Slam champion has taught him to ‘live in present.’

“The importance of living in the present moment. For twenty years, he (Roger Federer) has been in demand daily by the press, fans, trips, tournaments, training. His days are ultra-full and yet he remains of incredible calm,” Stan Wawrinka told L’Illustré. 

“Even when he has to do something that interests him less, he does it thoroughly, better than everyone else. Over the years, I try to get closer to that too.”

Also Read – “He Was Like a Big Brother” – Stan Wawrinka Opens Up on Roger Federer’s Influence on Him

Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka’s first meeting

“Yes, very well. It was on a clay court in Biel, at Swiss Tennis. I was 16 and I was there as a sparring partner. I remember that I put myself under crazy pressure, I was paralyzed at the idea of missing my shots. I had given everything, I was red after five minutes on the court (he smiled),” he added. (Quotes have been translated)

This year, Federer has called off his tennis season due to knee surgeries, and Wawrinka is yet to choose his tournaments for the remainder of the 2020 calendar.