Federer and Tiger now phone buddies

The world's number one tennis player and the top golfer, who first met at this summer's US Open, regularly keep in touch by phone.

Roger Federer has revealed a blossoming friendship with Tiger Woods after the two met in Shanghai last week.

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Federer watched Woods play at the HSBC Champions tournament and afterwards they went out to dinner.

The world's top tennis player and golfer respectively, who first met at this summer's US Open, regularly keep in touch by phone, Federer said.

"We had a good time. He's a really relaxed and laid-back guy," he said.

"I spoke to him yesterday. He's in Japan now. I don't know how his round went, but I hope he's doing well."

Woods had a one-shot lead after the Dunlop Phoenix second round in Miyazaki, while Federer has qualified for his fifth successive Masters Cup semi-final in Shanghai.