Roger Federer has revealed he hurriedly woke up his wife Mirka after learning Kobe Bryant had passed away on Sunday. The NBA star died in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles with eight others including his daughter Gianna.
Within the tennis community, Bryant had personal relationships with Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic.
Last September, he was at the US Open to watch Osaka and Federer in the third round.
And he took part in the coin toss ahead of Federer’s clash with Dan Evans and two shared a hug together.
Bryant’s tragic death has had a devastating impact on the world of sport and Federer added his thoughts to the numerous tributes paid to the five-time NBA champion.
JUST IN: Federer resigned to Nadal and Djokovic breaking Grand Slam record
“It was incredibly dramatic news. The morning I woke up, I thought it couldn’t be when I saw the first news,” Federer told Swiss publication Tages Anzeiger.
“I immediately woke Mirka. Then you want to know more about it, and you’re just sorry. His death affects the whole sports world, he was also seen on the tennis tour.
“He was a big tennis fan. I was thrilled to see him in New York last year when he flipped a coin during a game of mine.
“I’ve always been a big basketball fan, and as such you love Kobe anyway. And if you have a family like me and as many children, you think: Oh God, that’s hell. I am very sorry.”
“He inspired myself and many other people around the world,” he said.
“I had the fortune to have a personal relationship with him over the last 10 years.
“When I needed some advice and some support he was there for me. He was my mentor, my friend. It’s heartbreaking to see and hear what has happened to him and his daughter.”
