“I often have to pinch myself to believe it but it’s been an amazing journey.

“It has made me tougher as a person and taught me to handle situations. Life has been good for me and I wish all players go through this phase.”

Federer also went on to explain how he is able to wow audiences with his graceful and elegant movement and strokes on court.

“Look, it came to me naturally, and it was also a bit of upbringing,” he added.

“There is no need to step over people or bully others … make them feel bad or small.

“People often say you have to be hard and tough to win, but I feel that’s not me. I have been told in the past that you are too nice to be successful, but I think I have been able to do both by being respectful to people.

“I have had also to take tough decisions along the road, but in a nice way. You also have to remember why you are in such a privileged position.

“I can’t thank enough my fans, my team, the tournament officials — so many of them have touched my life along the way.”

“The road was long and rocky, but to win all the Grand Slams that I did.