Roger Federer has a reputation as one of the nicest pro-athletes among his fellow tennis players and fans.
When Stan Wawrinka got teary-eyed during his post-match comments after losing the BNP Paribas Open final, Federer, his countryman and friend, sat courtside, laughing.
I would like to congratulate Roger. He’s laughing. He’s an a$#ho*e, but it’s okay.Stan Wawrinka
Wawrinka wiped his eyes and apologised to the crowd, explaining he was tired after the desert tournament ended on Sunday.
‘Got Called That on the Court for the First Time, But it Felt Good’
Federer said he was only trying to cheer up Wawrinka.
I was trying, when he looked at me, not to give him the sad face. I was looking at him going, ‘You’ll be fine,’ and gave him a laugh, say, maybe gets his mind off it. I guess I achieved that.Roger Federer
Asked later if it was the first time in his life that he had been called the expletive, Federer said he'd heard it "many, many times before" in a joking way.
"That's why I take it as a compliment," he said, smiling.
"There's not always cameras around, so I get called that sometimes. Quite often, actually. On the court is the first time, but it felt good."
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