Watch: Roger Federer breaks down as he remembers his first tennis coach

20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer broke down in front of the camera while speaking about his first coach - Peter Carter.

Carter, who personally coached Federer when he was just learning the game, was credited with having discovered him as a kid.

Unfortunately, he passed away in 2002 in a tragic accident while on his honeymoon in South Africa.

In an interview with CNN prior to the Australian Open, Federer opened up about his late coach and how he helped him become a tennis superstar.

Roger Federer's inspirational former coach died in a car crash on his honeymoon in 2002.Nearly two decades on, Federer still gets emotional when he talks about Peter Carter.Our exclusive interview: https://t.co/AJM6UXgt6H pic.twitter.com/g9aiylaKy8

— CNN Sport (@cnnsport) January 7, 2019

“Sorry. I hope he would be proud,” Federer said. “Peter was really a really important person in my life because I think if I can say thank you for my technique today, it’s to Peter.”

“I guess he didn’t want me to be a wasted talent. It was somewhat of a wake-up call for me when he passed away and I really started to train hard,” he continued.

The Swiss Maestro has never been shy of showing his emotions - on or off the court. We have often seen him break down after winning a Grand Slam.

"Sorry. Oh, man, I still miss him so much. I hope he would be proud. Geez, never broke down like this." said Federer.

Federer went on to win his first ever Grand Slam in 2003 - a year after Carter's death. The rest, as they say, is history.

Federer continues to maintain a close relationship with Peter Carter's family. He flies them down every year from Adelaide to Melbourne during the Australian Open and they sit in the player's box during his matches.

Federer will be competing in the Australian Open this year as the world no. 3 and the defending champion in a bid to win his 21st Grand Slam title and a record 7th Australian Open title as well.