MELBOURNE: Roger Federer wished his friend Tiger Woods well on Saturday then talked about the importance of being a role model.

The two sporting superstars have become pals over the years and the Swiss great said he hoped to see Woods sort out his problems. “Well, I have just been following it from afar,” he said when asked at a pre-Australian Open press conference about Woods’ fall from grace. “All I can say, I’m not going to talk about his personal life, but I wish him all the best, getting back, hopefully on the golf course, resolving his problems, and see how he goes.”

Woods has suffered a momentous fall from his lofty pedestal as one of the greatest sportsmen since a November 27 car crash in Florida. The accident touched off a sensational sex scandal, with Woods eventually admitting to marital infidelity and declaring that he would take an indefinite break from golf.