Henman takes on Ivan Ljubicic on Friday and will retire after the conclusion of the Croatia tie on Sunday.
"He has been an exemplary player and perfect father - I count him as a good friend," said the world number one. "I wish he could have achieved what he really wanted, but he had to deal with Pete Sampras and then I came along."
Federer added that Henman has been the ultimate professional during his tennis career. "Tim deserves to go out on a high," Federer said.
"He spent many years under a microscope a lot of people would find unbearable in a country that loves its heroes. "I hope that he still comes back to tennis after he's had a deserved rest.
"What he brought to the game was total professionalism. There were times I wasn't in the mood to practise, but you knew when he gave you a hit, it was not going to be at less than 100% commitment.
"It's fitting that his career is ending at Wimbledon."
Source: //bbcsports
