Watch: Roger Federer keeps his “pinky promise” he made to his young fan

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The legendary Roger Federer has been out of action since bowing out of the quarter-final stage of the Wimbledon Championships last year.

Five years ago, a young tennis player Izyan Ahmad (nickname – Zizou) asked Roger Federer during a US Open press conference if he could continue playing for 8-9 years so that he could grow up and play against his idol. The Swiss legend promised he would be around and play against the youngster. Federer mentioned that it was a “pinky promise“.

Roger Federer
Zizou alongside his idol Roger Federer (Twitter)

5 years later the youngster got the biggest surprise of his life. Federer shared a heartwarming video that begins with the interview where Zizou asked him to make a promise 5 years ago. The next shot cuts to the present day when Zizou was flown to Zurich for what he thought would be a training session. Before he could start training, an employee of the club asked him if he would like a selfie with the manager who was his big fan.

Zizou was surprised by the special treatment he was getting. He had no idea he was being watched by the 20-time Grand Slam champion on a camera monitor behind the scenes.

Eventually, Federer was revealed as the mystery opponent for Zizou. He appeared from behind the curtains. Zizou was stunned and couldn’t believe what he was witnessing.

The video has been watched and rewatched by fans and is certainly one of the most endearing things you would see on the internet.

Is Roger Federer confirmed for Team Europe at Laver Cup 2022?

Laver Cup 2022 is set to begin on September 23, 2022. Roger Federer will return to the tennis court at the tournament.

Bjorn Borg (second row, second from left), captain of Team Europe, pose with the side's players after their victory in the 2019 Laver Cup tournament.
Bjorn Borg (second row, second from left), captain of Team Europe, pose with the side’s players after their victory in the 2019 Laver Cup tournament. (Getty Images)

He will team up with the likes of Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Team Europe has been the champions in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2017.

Fans are waiting with bated breath to watch the 41-year-old Roger Federer once again with the racquet in hand. He is undefeated in singles matches at the Laver Cup competition.

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