Having an overawed opponent across the net is nothing new for 16-time Grand Slam champion Federer, who did the same as a teenager when he played Pete Sampras 11 years ago at Wimbledon – and beat the legend.
Now the Swiss is the target but it’s not weighing much on his mind as he prepares to face the number 109.
Federer is used to facing – and beating – the new wave in the game. And Goffin is another in the queue to have a go at the longest-serving current elite.
“It’s not the first time it’s happened,” said the 2009 Paris winner when told that Goffin idolises him. “It’s weird, it’s strange.
Unusual match
It’s everything you can imagine. I’m happy to hear it, though.
“It’s a big match obviously for him, and for me, too. It is a fourth round of a Grand Slam, after all, here in Paris where I know the Belgians, they like coming here and supporting their players.
“It’s gonna be unusual match for me, knowing that (Goffin’s attitude) now.”
The Belgian confirmed that he’s been a fan of “the Fed” since childhood. “I’ve been watching Roger playing on telly for so many years. He has always been my favourite.
“He has perfect tennis, perfect technique, and I like the man. From a human standpoint, he is a great person, whether on the court or outside the court.
“If I say I have a chance, I will sound arrogant; if I say no, you’ll say I lack ambition. We’ll see.”