Roger Federer has offered his backing to Tiger Woods following the revelations about the golfer's private life.
Roger Federer has offered his backing to Tiger Woods following the revelations about the golfer's private life.
Woods made his first public appearance since November last Friday when he apologised to his wife Elin Nordegren for a series of indiscretions. However, he stopped short of announcing when he would be returning to the golf course.
"Tiger is a good friend of mine," tennis number one Federer said in The Gulf News.
"What's happened to him has been hard to watch over the last three months right down to when he made his apology. I am sure he's headed in a better direction now. The worst has passed.
"I hope that he can also work things out with his wife Elin because they are very nice people - obviously for the sake of their kids as well."
Federer admitted that, while he still considers Woods a close friend, he has not spoken to him since the car crash that immediately preceded the media storm.
"I have supported him, but I haven't had any contact with him," added the Swiss star, forced to withdraw from the Dubai Tennis Championship due to a lung infection.
"He has been where he knows he has been (in therapy) but my support does not change. I wish him the best.
"It's been hard to watch from far away but I would love to see him back on the golf course. It is what he does best."