Roger Federer was lifted up by his team-mates for the O2 Arena for London
Roger Federer was shedding tears with goodbye wave to professional tennis, after his team fellow great Rafael Nadal for one emotional night for the Laver Cup.
The 41-year-old receive one long ovation after removing court for the final time, before he was retired as professional.
The Swiss, that won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, have considered as one of the best players for tennis history.
“It was a wonderful day. I’m very happy, I’ll not sad. I feels great to be here. I’m happy that I made through,” he said .
Federer cried as he hug Nadal and other players, then gbab praise from the thousands of fans that is shout his name for the O2 Arena in London.
Nadal couldn’t hold his tears. The 36-year-old Spaniard was cried as he seated alongside with Federer as they are listen to the British singer Ellie Goulding, that round off one memorable night with one performance.
Federer and Nadal – was long rival as the top of the men game – they join forces to play doubles against American pair Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe for the annual team event between Europe and the rest of the world.
Despite that Federer didn’t play competitively for over one year, the two veteran push Sock and Tiafoe before losing 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 11-9 as Team World level for 2-2 from the opening day, to the end.
Federer and Nadal – has affectionately nickname ‘Fedal’ – almost win the match. The pair match point for 9-8 for 4th the decider, but Federer can lunge for one forehand that entered the net.
The defeat bring the former world number one 25-year professional career to close after 1,50th competitive match across singles and doubles.
“Is a perfect journey. I love to do it again go again,”Federer said that, he try to hold back tears during on-court speech.
Federer throw the retirement celebration that he desires
Federer career was long on pending because he battle one knee injury for di past two years and need three operations for bid to overcome the problem.
He stop competitive match since he lose to Poland Hubert Hurkacz for the quarter-finals for Wimbledon last year.
Despite that restricted to only three of the 11 Grand Slams was on stage since the beginning of 2020, he thought that recently as July that he able to return to the major tournaments.
But, after scan bring further bad news, Federer announce last week , said that he desires retire sake of itself”body message lately was clear”.
Federer said that he will hold a party to remark the final match, that he wants the occasion fun and not funereal.
His wish,is to celebratory atmosphere for the 17,500-capacity arena.
The Key Numbers for Federer Career
20 Grand Slam singles titles 310 weeks as world number one 103 ATP titles 28 Masters 1,000 titles 6 ATP Finals victories 31 Grand Slam finals 1 Davis Cup triumph £114m career prize money
His wife Mirka, his four children, including his parents Robert and Lynette watch the match, Federer greeted with cheers that contain one mixture of euphoria and empathy.
The family join him on court after during one touching celebration, he was crying deeply and Federer was lifted up by his fellow players.
“Everyone here, Ladies and gentlemen. My wife is so supportive to my career, she didn’t hesitate me Long time, but instead she motivate me,” Federer said.
“She always allow me to play, she is an amazing – thank you.” the presence of some tennis legends including Rod Laver, along wit celebrities including Hollywood actor Hugh Grant and Vogue editor Anna Wintour, add to the occasion.
Current world number ones, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, was tweet there range of emotions as they watch the match on television, as Federer Swiss Davis Cup team-mate Stan Wawrinka did too.