It was sportsmanship at its best on New Year's Day in Perth, Australia, as Roger Federer defeated Serena Williams in mixed doubles, then took to the mic to praise the iconic athlete.
Federer and his partner Belinda Bencic defeated Williams and Francis Tiafoe 4-2, 4-3 to advance in the Hopman Cup, but the event was more about two tennis greats facing off and then showing great esteem for the other.
(MORE: Serena Williams said she 'cried' after missing her baby's first steps because she was training)After the match, Williams told the crowd she was "kinda sad the match was over. I was just warming up."
Serena and Roger trading blows out on @RACArena.@Channel9 @9Gem | #HopmanCup pic.twitter.com/RPWCQZCdmn
— Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) January 1, 2019
About Federer, she added, "We grew up together ... and having an opportunity after all these years. We've actually never done this and so this was super cool that we got to do this at such a pinnacle point in both our careers. For me, it was super cool! I wanted to take pictures and wanted to bring my baby out."
Oh what a night ???? pic.twitter.com/Fj9arBT6Ni
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) January 1, 2019
Williams leads Federer 23-20 in career grand slams won, but the two will be forever linked as the dominant male and female, respectively, in tennis for this era, maybe all-time.
Federer gushed right back after the match, not only smiling for a selfie with the empowering athlete, but adding, "Your serving, especially the last serve at 3-3, I'm like 'I've got to win this point,' but it's Serena Williams,' I was telling myself. And I was telling myself, 'This is maybe what I've always wanted, maybe a big-time moment like this.'"
(MORE: Serena Williams gets real about 'postpartum emotions,' struggle between work and motherhood)Hear from @rogerfederer, @BelindaBencic and @serenawilliams after one of the most extraordinary moments in sport. #HopmanCup pic.twitter.com/b4p8cAKTrh
— Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) January 1, 2019
He added that it was an "honor" to face off against Williams.
"It was great, great fun, and she's a great champion and you see how focused and determined she is, and I love that about her," he added.
Williams fired a compliment right back at the male champion, calling him the "the greatest of all-time to be honest" and that is "both on the court and off the court. He has such charisma, he's just a wonderful player."
A selfie for the ages. @serenawilliams @rogerfederer #HopmanCup pic.twitter.com/z8ntJ2aNAx
— Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) January 1, 2019
The crowd wasn't just treated to a super match, but two icons effusing respect for one another in the best way.
Before the match, Williams talked about her goals in 2019, including her priorities and her daughter Olympia.
"As I head into next year it’s not about what we can do it’s what we MUST do as working moms and working dads. Anything is possible. I am getting ready for the first match of the year and my dear sweet baby @olympiaohanian was tired and sad and simply needed mama’s love," she wrote.
She continued, "So if it means warming up and stretching while holding my baby that’s what #thismama will do. My fellow moms and dads working- or stay home it’s equally as intense- but you inspire me."
