"Not only on the court, but off the court as well": Roger Federer changed face of tennis says oldest Grand Slam champion Rohan Bopanna

Although Roger Federer has since retired, the Swiss legend's legacy lives on, both on and off the court, according to doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna.

Bopanna made history last week by becoming the oldest male player to win a Grand Slam title when he captured the Australian Open doubles trophy alongside Matthew Ebden. Furthermore, the 43-year old attained the World N.1 position in doubles, becoming the oldest first-time World No.1 in tennis history.

"I think how he changed the sport, not only on the court but off the court as well," said Bopanna when asked how Federer impacted the sport of tennis. "He was somebody who communicated with all the players, and understood them. Even though he was such a great champion, no matter where he met some players, he was always amazing.
"There were many times where we were at Wimbledon in the locker room, you know, Roger and I used to play cricket. I think there were three times we were at the warm-up area with a similar juncture because we were playing matches which were similar times on different courts, and we happened to be there.”