Edmund is playing the biggest match of his career this morning against Marin Cilic with a place in the Australian Open final at stake.
Federer meanwhile is also facing a first-time semi-finalist in Hyeon Chung, who knocked out Novak Djokovic earlier in the tournament.
And while the world No 2 enjoys his rivalries with the likes of Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, he is keen to see younger players make progress in the Grand Slams.
“I think it’s a good thing. They [Edmund and Chung] have got to make a move,” said Federer.
“I find it disappointing when some of their breakthroughs come at 27, because then we know them for seven years, let’s say. I like it when we don’t know the guys.
“I like it because it’s really something totally new to me and to some extent for you guys, too.
“It’s not going to happen all the time.
“We like our rivalries that do exist on the tour.
“But new names are good, from time to time, of course for the tour.”
And Federer also speculated that Edmund has a big enough game and little enough pressure that he could go all the way and take the title.
“Somebody who is in the semis, to me, is two steps away. A lot of stuff can happen. It’s a good situation to be in,” Federer added.
“He can hit freely now. No expectations whatsoever. He’ll maybe never be in this position ever again, to have so little expectations in some ways.”