Game recognize game, they say, and it appears tennis legend Roger Federer takes that sentiment to heart in regards to his countrymen.
Currently in New York for the U.S. Open, the Basel, Switzerland native offered up a few kind words about fellow Swiss star Nico Hischier, recently drafted first overall by the New Jersey Devils.
“We’re very happy in Switzerland that we have such a great hockey player in the starting blocks who is hopefully going to be a great, great player,” Federer said on Thursday, according to The Post Game’s Jeff Eisenband. “I’m only hearing great things about him. He’s a good guy. Unbelievably talented. People predict a great future ahead of him.”
.@rogerfederer on @nicohischier, the Swiss No. 1 pick by @NJDevils in this year's @NHL Draft: "I'm only hearing great things about him." pic.twitter.com/WUv32IU4gy
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) August 31, 2017
Federer is no stranger to the hefty expectations that come with being a top prospect, nor is he unfamiliar with what it takes to live up to that promise, having risen to become one of the most decorated tennis players in the history of the sport.
“I had the same. It’s always easy to predict,” Federer said. “But he’s the guy who has to put in the work and be the guy who does it every single night on the ice. That’s the tough thing about it. It’s always easy for people to talk, predict you’re going to be world No. 1, best goal-scorer.
“Doesn’t matter. You have to put your head down and just work as hard as you possibly can.”
While Federer and Hischier haven’t met just yet, the former said he’s only a phone call away should the young NHLer need advice from one of his nation’s best.
