'Roger Federer is my favorite player,' says Simona Halep

In her recent interview, world no. 2 Simona described her first contact with Roger Federer, asking the leading tennis star for an autograph while still a junior.

Roger signed Simona's badge and spoke with her for a moment, offering supportive words to the youngster and motivating her to push even stronger. Acknowledged as one of the Tour's most consistent players, Simona became the world no. 1 in October 2017 without a Major trophy in her collection.

Questioned by many, Halep had to deal with considerable pressure before lifting the first Major crown at Roland Garros 2018, adding another at Wimbledon a year later following that remarkable triumph over Serena Williams. Roger Federer was there to defend Simona before that Parisian success, calling her a deserved world no. 1 and a talented, dedicated and all-round player.

Simona never forgot that support, admiring Roger even more and calling him his favorite player during the Australian Open Quickfire Quiz. Simona will compete at the upcoming Australian Open as the second seed behind Ashleigh Barty, serving her two-week quarantine in Adelaide and defeating the Aussie 3-6, 6-1, 10-8 in their exhibition clash before the Melbourne trip.

As we all know, Federer will not compete at the Australian Open for the first time since 1999, struggling with a knee injury and needing more time on the practice court.