Is tennis the same game without supporters? The most decorated player in the history of the men’s game certainly doesn’t think so.

In a conversation with Brazilian tennis legend Gustavo Kuerten, former world number one and 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer spoke about the potential return of tennis and in doing so, said he wasn’t a fan of the game coming back if not everyone could fill the stadiums and support players as they did before the Coronavirus crisis struck.

When Kuerten got in touch with ‘Fed Ex’ (also known as the Federer Express, although this is surely one of the most misleading nicknames in world sport given thatFederer’s entire game is built on him dictating play and forcing his opponents to do the running), the 8-time Wimbledon champion answered the call.

“If Guga calls, I’m always there to help you,” said Federer in a chat with the Brazilian former world number one. “You have always been one of my favorite players. You have always been one of the most receptive players on the circuit. You may not remember why you were nice to everyone, but you were also to me. And I think that was so important, when I was arriving [on] the circuit. You were one of the guys who made me feel welcome. So, thanks Guga.”