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Novak Djokovic captured headlines around the world as he made an appearance at the Rugby World Cup Final in Paris, but he was usurped by his old rival Novak Djokovic as South Africa lifted the trophy.
Images of Djokovic sitting alongside singer-songwriter Rita Ora were flashed on the big screen at the Stade de France, drawing big cheers from the sold out crowd.
The current world No 1 tennis player looked slightly surprised to be caught on camera, as he pulled a funny face when the cheers went up.
While he left the stadium after the final whistle to prepare for the Paris Masters event that gets underway imminently, Federer had a little more time on his hands to catch up with an old friend.
The 20-time Grand Slam-winning champion has developed a friendship with South Africa captain Siya Kolisi in recent years, even though he openly admits he doesn’t know the rules of rugby.
Despite his lack of knowledge of the mechanics of rugby, Federer watched the match with his wife and children as New Zealand captain Sam Cane became the first player to be sent off in a World Cup final as South Africa retained their title with a nail-biting 12-11 victory.
Cane was shown a red card in the 28th minute for a dangerous tackle on Jesse Kriel but the All Blacks responded with character and resilience to take the champions to the wire on a wet Paris night.
Beauden Barrett ran in the first try ever scored against South Africa in a World Cup final as the final quarter approached but, with Richie Mo’unga unable to add the conversion, New Zealand still trailed.
Jordie Barrett then missed a tricky long-range penalty that would have toppled the Springboks and despite furious late attempts to strike from long range they were unable to break through the green wall.
After the match, Federer made an appearance in the winning South Africa dressing room wearing a green Springboks jersey, as he congratulated captain Kolisi and his victorious team-mates.
Game recognises game 🤝 #RWC2023 | #RWCFinal | @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/uoQSHqwYK0
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 29, 2023
The friendship between Federer and Kolisi dates back to the 2019 World Cup final, as she congratulated Kolisi and saluted his achievements as Springboks captain.
The duo have remained friends ever since and met up when Federer played Rafael Nadal in the Match for Africa charity event in 2020.
They also met up in Zurich when Kolisi paid a flying visit to Switzerland in 2021 and the duo met up for an impromptu lunch.
“Yes, we do talk to each other now and then. When he found out that I was coming to Geneva, he invited me for lunch in Zurich,” reflected Kolisi.
“Someone like him is so big here, but when you sit down with him, you forget how big an icon he is, because he is a normal human being.
“He is very attached to his South African origins.”
Kolisi then led the tributes to Federer in a video released by one of his sponsors following his retirement from tennis last year.
Federer’s passion for South Africa is easy to understand as his mother Lynette was born in the country and was also in attendance at the Rugby World Cup Final.
Much of her son’s charitable activity in his post-tennis career has focused on raising money for causes in Africa, including the Match For Africa against Nadal that cemented his friendship with Kolisi three years ago.
Swiss-born Federer represented Switzerland for the entirety of his tennis career, but he also proudly holds South African citizenship.
Looking at the warm reception he received, Federer’s presence in the South African dressing room was welcomed maybe the tennis icon now knows a little more about the mysteries of rugby.
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