Roger Federer traded shots with his hero Rod Laver in an exhibition event ahead of the start of next week's Australian Open.
The 17-times grand slam champion beamed with pride after enjoying a few rallies with the 75-year-old, who was dressed in traditional whites and impressed a packed crowd with his movement ahead of Federer's exhibition match with French world number 10 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
"Hitting with Rod Laver for me clearly is an absolute dream come true," Federer said after a crowd-pleasing 6-7(5) 6-3 7-5 win over Tsonga in the fund-raising event for his charity, the Roger Federer Foundation.
"It's in his arena as well, it's named after him and he deserves it so much.
"He told me that his wrist was hurting less on the forehand so he asked me to play there a bit more often.
"While I was playing my racket was feeling extremely heavy, that means I was very nervous which I really was because you don't want to miss a shot.
"I was happy we had some rallies. What an honour it was for me and I hope that the crowd enjoyed it and I'm very thankful that he was willing to do something like this because it's not normal in any way and that's why I really appreciate it."
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