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Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts in his fourth round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day seven of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
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Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts in his fourth round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day seven of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
The Swiss maestro Roger Federer has had even the greatest athletes from other sports on his side. Of these, the late American basketball legend Kobe Bryant was also a Federer fan. And two years ago, the Los Angles Laker’s shooting guard had tweeted to show his standpoint.
Both great leaders of their sport, these two sportsmen became an example for their fellow athletes. However, it was from each other that they drew inspiration.
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At the 2019 US Open, the 5-time NBA champion had come to watch Federer play Dan Evans. But that’s not all; Bryant even came forward to do the ceremonious coin toss.
Comfortably enough, the then 38-year-old won the match. It was a 6-2, 6-2, and 6-1 dominance over the British No. 1.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 01: Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning his Men’s Singles fourth round match against David Goffin of Belgium on day seven of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 01, 2019, in Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
But even before watching Federer play in New York, Bryant knew that the Basel-born player was the best. He had tweeted right after Roger picked up his 20 Grand Slam at the 2018 Australian Open title.
Kobe wrote, “Simple. Roger Federer = [GOAT emoji]” By winning a major tournament at that age, Federer made everything seem possible.
Simple @rogerfederer = 🐐 #AustralianOpen
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 28, 2018
Roger Federer will not play the Australian Open 2021
2020 will have an everlasting effect on many lives. However, even before the pandemic outbreak came about, a tragedy took place with the American basketball champion.
In a devastating helicopter crash, both Kobe and his daughter lost their lives. This incident caused a sudden numbness all around the globe.
While many great names held the highest regard for Kobe, tennis players wore his initials or jersey as a tribute. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who was friends with him, cried in a match interview.
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 28: Novak Djokovic of Serbia cries while talking about the death of Kobe Bryant after winning his Men’s Singles Quarterfinal match against Milos Raonic of Canada on day nine of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Even Federer was taken aback after hearing what had happened. At first, he didn’t even believe the news. “I’ve always been a big basketball fan, and as such you love Kobe anyway,” Federer said.
The athletes who present their greatest selves on the court become immortal through the game. And Bryant will definitely hold a place in the heart and minds of many.
For Federer, the 2021 season did not begin as expected. But the 39-year-old continues to train and will return to tennis after the Australian Open 2021.
Will Roger take his GOAT status further?
Also Read: Tournament Director Optimistic About Roger Federer’s Participation at ATP Rotterdam 2021
