- Roger Federer said goodbye to tennis at the Laver Cup on Friday.
- The event was a fitting farewell to the best tennis player ever.
- “It was a great day,” Federer said.
LONDON – Roger Federer said goodbye to tennis after losing the last game of his career on Friday night in the Laver Cup.
The Swiss icon, who announced his imminent retirement from tennis just last week, teamed up with Rafael Nadal to take on American duo Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in his first doubles match of the tournament.
Sock and Tiafoe won 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 11-9.
Despite the defeat, the night – and Federer’s career – ended in tears of joy for the 41-year-old.
“It was a great day,” Federer said in his on-court interview, shortly after a video of his career highlights was shown on screens at the O2 Arena. “I told the guys I’m happy, not sad. It feels great to be here.”
He added, “It feels like a celebration to me. I wanted to feel that at the end and that’s exactly what I was hoping for, so thank you.”
“It was a perfect trip and I would do it all over again.”
—Roger Federer September 23, 2022
Federer hadn’t played a competitive tennis match in over a year prior to Friday. The last time he took to court was at Wimbledon 2021, after which he underwent a third operation on his right knee. He had two surgeries on the same knee in the previous year.
When Federer announced his retirement, he said he decided to listen to his “body message”.
Although he showed signs of rust against Sock and Tiafoe, the veteran star still astounded audiences with his gentle indifference and highlight reel in his trademark shots.
A certain magical moment came in the first set when he shot a shot across the small gap between the net and the net post.
“I enjoyed tying my shoelaces again, everything was the last time,” Federer said. “I didn’t get too nervous although I thought maybe something was going to go, like a calf or back, but the match was great, I made it through and I couldn’t be happier.”
best friends
For most of Federer’s career, Nadal was his biggest competitor.
Over the years, the duo have met 40 times on the court, with Federer knocking out 16th and Nadal 24th. Ten of those encounters have been in Grand Slam finals, with Nadal again appearing on top more often, and Federer winning six to three.
Between 2005 and 2010, during the height of their combined dominance in the men’s game, they won 21 of 24 potential Grand Slam tournaments.
However, in addition to being great rivals, Federer and Nadal have also been great friends. The couple often dine together and know each other’s families.
He finished his career alongside the man who was by his side – friend or foe – at every step, describing Federer as ‘amazing’.
Federer and Nadal are good friends.
Getty / John Walton
A proper farewell
Federer has had his classes on and off the tennis court during his career.
Not only has he won the admiration of tennis fans with his elegant and laid-back style of play, but he has also won hearts with his humble and gentle demeanor.
“Roger Federer is a living legend,” John McEnroe told reporters earlier this year. “It is an example of what you want your child to be when he grows up.
“He’s the most beautiful player I’ve seen playing.”
Andy Roddick once said of Federer: “He’s a real person. He’s not a mystery. Off the field, he’s not trying to be someone. If you met him at McDonald’s and didn’t know who he was, you’d have no idea he’s one of the best athletes in the world.”
Roger Federer.
Getty Images/Clive Brunskill
Friday – despite not saying goodbye to Grand Slam winner Federer he might have been dreaming of – proved to be a fitting farewell.
On a day when he could easily immerse himself in his own world, Federer has remained as humble as ever.
Before his own match, he Watch his teammate Andy Murray challenge Alex de Minaur from his locker room, He cheers for every Scottish winner and holds his head in his hands for every mistake he makes.
When he finally went to court a little before ten in the evening, he was greeted by enthusiastic applause from the audience with a humble smile and a wave.
After he and Nadal won and his last dance was over, he thanked his Team Europe teammates, opponents, family and fans.
“Everyone here,” he said, “boys and girls.” “My wife has been very supportive. She could have blocked me a long time ago, but she didn’t. She kept me going and allowed me to play, so it’s great, thank you.
“It’s funny, we always blame my mum for everything because without her of course I wouldn’t be here. Thanks to my dad, they were great.
“Just for everyone, there are so many people to thank. It was incredible.”
A sports legend and a gentleman in equal measure – tennis wouldn’t be what it was without Roger Federer.
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