ROGER Federer realised in January just how good Nick Kyrgios is — and will yet become.

The Swiss wizard watched the ACT teenager roar into the second round of the Australian Open, where a lack of conditioning caught up with Kyrgios in a roller-coaster match with Benoit Paire.

Federer mentally noted Kyrgios’s style and talents and in May decided to invite the young Australia to practise with him in Europe.

And on an electric Wednesday, when Kyrgios’s Wimbledon dream withered and Federer’s blossomed, the grand slam record-holder spoke richly about his young friend.

“He came to Switzerland to practise with me actually the week before Rome I think it was.,” Federer said.

“We had a great time together. (He) had good intensity.

“I already thought he was playing unbelievably at the Australian Open.

media_camera (L-R) Nick Kyrgios and Roger Federer..

“It was nice to see how he works and how he plays in the practice.

“I think he’s going to rise up the rankings. It’s not hard to predict because he will during this tournament or afterwards.”

A virtual unknown until his victory over Rafael Nadal on Tuesday, Kyrgios turned plenty of heads at the All England Club today.

As ever, Federer has been one step ahead of the pack.

When Kyrgios walked through the grounds before the tournament started, he heard his name being called out by a familiar voice.

It was Federer, wanting a quick chat and to wish Kyrgios all the best for the championships.

“It would have been cool to play Roger,” Kyrgios said. “I’m not sure how I would have reacted.

“I would have probably spent the whole match thinking about who I was playing.”