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Tennis legend Roger Federer fulfills ‘pinky promise’ to young boy

  • A viral video showing tennis legend Roger Federer fulfilling a “pinky promise” he made to a young fan five years ago is melting netizens’ hearts.

  • In 2017, Izyan Ahmad asked the 20-time Grand Slam winner during a press conference at the U.S. Open if he could “continue to play for eight, nine years so that I can play you when I go pro?" 

  • Federer responded with a “pinky promise” to the boy that they would play together someday.

  • Now 11 years old, Ahmad is in the top 10 of the U.S. rankings for both singles and doubles in the boys’ 12 and Under category.

  • On Aug. 8, Italian food company Barilla uploaded a video showing Federer fulfilling his promise to Ahmad with a well-fought match.  

  • During the game, Federer can be heard complimenting the way Ahmad plays between volleys.

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Tennis legend Roger Federer is melting netizens’ hearts for keeping a “pinky promise” he made to a young fan five years ago.

In 2017, longtime fan Izyan Ahmad was able to ask a question to the 20-time Grand Slam winner during a press conference at the U.S. Open. 

Ahmad, who is known by his nickname “Zizou,” asked his idol, “Can you please continue to play for eight, nine years so that I can play you when I go pro?”

After Federer answered with a “Yes,” the boy asked, “Is that a promise?” To this, the tennis star replied: “Pinky promise.”

Ahmad, who is now 11 years old, is in the top 10 of the U.S. rankings for both singles and doubles in the boys’ 12 and Under category.

Earlier this month, a video of Ahmad meeting Federer again went viral. The boy was flown to Zurich back in June under the pretense of training. 

At the club where the supposed training was to take place, he is approached by an employee requesting a selfie for his boss.

Soon after, a woman arrives wearing a T-shirt with Ahmad’s face on it.  As the selfies are being taken, a group of children starts chanting his name.

Still shocked by the star treatment, Ahmad is then brought to the clay court for the main surprise: “All the young people watching you playing finally against a worthy opponent. Here is your surprise.”

Federer appears and asks the boy if he is ready to play a quick match.

During the game, Federer can be heard complimenting the way Ahmad plays between volleys.

The video ends with the tennis legend and the young athlete dining on some pasta after the well-fought match.

Italian food company Barilla, which organized the event, uploaded the video to its YouTube channel on Aug. 8, where it has since racked up over 5.3 million views.

 

Featured Image via Barilla

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