WHAT A ROLE MODEL!

I'm a big tennis fan and an even bigger fan of Roger Federer. I honestly believe that he is probably the greatest ever role model in the world of sport.

Currently world number 3, the former world number one has won no less than 16 grand slam titles. He has been there, done it and got the tee-shirt but he remains the most incredibly modest man. He is currently playing in the French Open championships at Roland Garros in Paris and on Tuesday was involved in an incredible comeback from two sets down to beat Juan-Martin Del-Potro in five sets. Two days before he beat a young up and coming player who openly admitted that he idolised Federer as he was growing up.

I was full of admiration for the way he conducted himself both during and after these matches. He demonstrated incredible mental strength and focus. He dug deep when he most needed to and called upon the resources he required to get the job done. Afterwards he was full of praise for his opponents. He is like that whether he wins or loses. Even after losing in the US Open semi-final last year to Novak Djokovic after being two sets up, playing fantastically and having several match points, he remained a real gentleman. He must have felt crushingly disappointed by the loss but said something I have never forgotten - "When things like this happen it always makes me remember why we all love sport - because we never know what's going to happen."He demonstrates exactly how sport should be played and is in my opinion is sportsmanship personified.

I once read an interview in which a sports reporter told the embarrassing story of how as a young reporter he had been lucky enough to interview Federer in his hotel room the night before a big semi-final match. As he was finishing the hour long taped chat he realised to his horror that he had forgotten to switch the tape recorder on. Far from being cross with him, Roger Federer simply suggested they do the whole thing over again, even though it was already late at night.

He is fluent in four languages and proficient in several others. He always makes people feel special and never forgets his roots. The man is a legend, quite simply the greatest sportsman who ever lived.

OK so I didn't actually meet him at last year's ATP world finals at the O2 ........ but you have to admit I still look pretty happy about it!