Vietnamese man presents lacquer painting to tennis star Roger Federer during chance meeting

On April 30 Le Dac Lam, 39, met the retired Swiss tennis star who is visiting Hoi An with his family and staying at a five-star resort in Dien Ban.

He later described Federer was "very friendly and elegant."

The lacquer painting featuring Vietnamese village scenes that Le Dac Lam presents to tennis star Roger Federer on April 30, 2024. Photo courtesy of Le Dac Lam

He said when Federer took photos with his family, he took off his glasses on his own volition and smiled cheerfully.

He said he quickly wrapped up the meeting because he did not want to disturb Federer’s private vacation.

"I came up with an idea of giving him something rustic to make him remember his trip to Vietnam."

On April 28 photos circulated on social media showing several fans taking pictures with Federer on tennis courts in Hoi An.

Federer, 43, arguably the greatest player who set foot on a tennis court, won 20 Grand Slam titles before retiring in September 2022.