Emotional Farewell: Roger Federer closes the curtain to Tennis

Image: Cryptobhaiya

It was a night of emotions as Tennis icon, with teary eyes, Roger Federer waved goodbye to professional tennis by teaming up with fellow rival Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup. Recall that Nollywood Times reported that he said he was going to retire after the Laver Cup.

The 41-year-old Swiss received a long ovation as he took a final walk off the court as he called it quit to the game he loved so much. He has to his credit 20 Grand Slam singles and is acclaimed as one of the best players in tennis history.

“It’s been a wonderful day. I’m happy, not sad. It feels great to be here. I’m happy I made it through,” he said.

Federer cried as he hugged Nadal and other players, then took accolades from the thousands of fans who chanted his name at the O2 Arena in London.

Besides Federer, Nadal could not stand the emotions as he broke down in tears. The 36-year-old Spaniard sobbed as he sat beside Federer while they listened to British singer Ellie Goulding, who closed what is termed as a memorable night with a powerful emotion ladened performance.

Federer and Nadal – long-time rivals at the top of men’s tennis teamed up to play doubles against American pair Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. The match was the annual team event between Europe and the rest of the world.

Image: Marca

Despite Federer not having played competitively for over a year, the veteran duo pushed Sock and Tiafoe before losing 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 11-9 as Team World levelled at 2-2 at the end of play on the opening day.

Federer and Nadal – affectionately nicknamed ‘Fedal’ – almost won it. The pair had a match point at 9-8 in the decider, but Federer could only lunge for a forehand which he pushed into the net.

The defeat brought the former world number one’s 25-year professional career to a close after his 1,750th competitive match across singles and doubles.

“It’s been the perfect journey. I’d do it all again,” said Federer as he held back tears during his on-court speech.

The presence of several tennis legends, including Rod Laver, along with celebrities including Hollywood actor Hugh Grant and Vogue editor Anna Wintour, added to the occasion.

The key numbers in Federer’s career:

• 20 Grand Slam singles titles in 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 
  
  

It was a magical evening yesterday. Thank you again to all the players and fans who were here to share this moment with me. It means the world ❤️😊🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/IKFb6jEeXJ

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 24, 2022

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Source: von.gov.ng/BBC

#Roger Federer
#Rafael Nadal