Roger Federer won his 20th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier today, and has paid a touching tribute to his late coach for helping make him the awesome player he is today.
Federer's former coach Peter Carter tragically died in a car crash in 2002, leaving the tennis star devastated. He has previously spoken about the massive impact the Aussie coach had on him as well as keeping a close relationship with Carter's parents.
Speaking after his win today, he said: "Peter Carter had the biggest impact on me in terms of my technique. That's what so many people talk about.
"When they talk about my effortless style and technique, I guess. I was able to perfect in later in my life, but he [Carter] set the foundation and that's why I'm so happy that his parents were at the finals yesterday and saw me win.
"That really meant a lot to me."
And this isn't the first time Carter's parents have been there to watch their son's former pupil. In fact, Federer makes sure that they're there to see him every time he plays in their country.
Going to sleep well tonight. Thank you to everyone for the love and support. It means more than I could possible describe pic.twitter.com/8t0f38vTLB
- Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) January 28, 2018
According to The Australian, every December Federer emails Pete's parents - Bob and Diana Carter - with flight details, accommodation bookings, a courtesy car and tickets for the Australian Open. How sweet is that?
Speaking to the Australian in 2012, Bob said: "Every year we go at his cost, it's just amazing, plane fares and courtesy cars. He really looks after us.
:trophy:20. :heart: pic.twitter.com/WqUiSo3fd5
- Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) January 28, 2018
"I hope he knows how much we appreciate that. He used to have us there for two weeks, but we were stuffed! It was so tiring we could hardly get home. We just go for the finals now."
The couple also said that the relationship they've built and maintained with Fed has helped them 'a lot'.
Sources: The Australian; ABC
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: SPORT, Australian Open
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