Tennis legend Roger Federer sent a surprising congratulatory message to radio heavyweight Alan Jones as he prepares for his final show on 2GB on Friday.

Jones announced earlier this month that he was retiring from his popular breakfast show for health reasons, explaining that doctors had warned him: “If you don’t stop, you’ll drop.”

The video message to Jones was aired on Sky News, where Jones also works as a TV host.

“Alan, it’s Roger here. I wanted to wish you all the very best for what’s to come, and many congratulations on an amazing 35-year career in the media business,” Federer said.

“Take care and all the best.”

Olympic sprint king Usain Bolt also sweetly sent Jones an audio message earlier, congratulating Jones on retiring at the “top of his game”.

“I just want to say congratulations on retiring at the top of your game,” he said.

“Thirty-odd years on the radio, you were magnificent, you impacted so many lives so continue doing what you’re doing and stay up, alright.”

Jones’ heavy workload in the media combined his radio, TV and print commitments, which doctors advised him stepping back for the sake of his health.

“I don’t want to dramatise this, but he (his doctor) said to me: ‘If you don’t stop, you’ll drop’,” the 79-year-old told The Australian. “There’ll come a time that your system will say it’s too late. You might be walking down the street when it happens.”

Jones also thanked his loyal listeners as he announced his retirement on-air two weeks ago.

“When the program ends at 9:00, it doesn’t end,” he said. “Another world begins. I’ve always taken the view that my listeners are my best researchers. The correspondence is given relevance and strength to the program content but answering it is immensely demanding.

“I’m immensely grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given to share ideas, help people and even argue with people on behalf of someone else. These are privileges in this industry that should never be taken for granted.”