World No. 2 Roger Federer’s childhood friend Marco Chiudinelli has lauded the Swiss great for his humility off the court.
Chiudinelli grew up with the 19-time Grand Slam champion in their native Switzerland and played alongside the former World No. 1 in the Davis Cup.
But the 36-year-old, who retired from the game earlier this year after losing to Robin Haase at the Swiss Indoors in Basel, could only achieve a career-high ranking of No. 52 in the world.
However, Chiudinelli insisted he has been extremely close to Federer, claiming the Swiss great has remained humble despite attaining lofty heights in his career.
“[Our relationship] is like a normal friendship,” Chiudinelli told Swiss newspaper BZ Basel.
“Most important is the honesty. Trust too, and reliability.
“Roger has not been changed by the great success and has remained with his feet on the ground.
“That’s not put on, it’s real.
“We do not meet often, but when we do, we have a good time together.”
Federer was present when Chiudinelli played his farewell match, emotionally hugging him after he lost to Haase in the Basel tournament.
“It makes me sad because I have been knowing Marco for a lot of time,” the reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion said at the time.
“But you should not be sad because we should celebrate his career.
“I am happy that he found this moment. He is not 29 anymore and he can be proud.”
He added: “We spent so much time together. I didn’t want to miss this moment.
“In case of a defeat this would be Marco’s last match…I needed to be here.”