Roger Federer trolled over Rafael Nadal's ranking by his children after winning 2017 Swiss Sportsman award

Roger Federer was hilariously trolled by his children over Rafael Nadal's ranking after he told them that he was going to an awards gala to potentially win a prize.

Federer was awarded Swiss Sportsman of the Year for the seventh time in his career on Sunday, 10 December, as he beat cross-country cyclist Nino Schurter and alpine ski racer Beat Feuz to win the award.

With 36.88% of the votes, it was well-deserved for the Swiss ace who completely turned back the clock in 2017 as he enjoyed a career renaissance.

Having not won a Grand Slam since 2012, Federer returned from a six-month lay-off to win the Australian Open in January earlier this year.

The 36-year-old continued to defy his age as he went on to win another six titles, including a record-breaking eighth Wimbledon crown, as he took his career tally to 95 singles titles and 19 Grand Slams.

And despite beating his long-time rival Nadal four times in the calendar year, three of which came in tournament finals, it was the Spaniard who was able to close the year as the world number one for the first time since 2013.

Federer, meanwhile, ended the year as number two after he had to withdraw from the Paris Masters for precautionary measures.

The Swiss ace was not physically present at the awards ceremony, according to Fox Sports, but did deliver a video message where he thanked his parents and his coach Severin Luthi, who received the Swiss Coach of the Year award.

The Basel native then revealed a hilarious tidbit from a conversation he had with his children.

"After dinner, my kids asked me where I was going. I told them there is this awards gala where I could win a prize. Then they said: 'But isn't Rafa No. 1?'" Federer revealed laughing.

Federer will no doubt be looking to overtake Nadal in the ATP tennis rankings when the 2018 season kicks off.