Roger Federer retiring: Rafael Nadal leads tributes – ‘I wish this day would have never come’
- Tennis world pays tribute to the legendary 20-times grand slam champion, who will hang up his racket after 24 years on Tour
- Laver Cup in London set to be Federer’s swansong, with an outpouring of sadness as current and former players celebrate one of sport’s greats
Roger Federer’s decision to retire may not have come as a surprise to the tennis world but Thursday’s announcement was still met with an outpouring of sadness as current and former players celebrated one of sport’s greatest athletes.
Heartbreak and goat ( “Greatest Of All Time”) emojis filled social media after the 41-year-old Swiss posted a lengthy letter saying he was finally hanging up his racket after 24 years on the Tour, with next week’s Laver Cup in London set to be his swansong.
Federer was the first player to win 20 grand slam titles but has since seen his record broken by Rafa Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21) as the “Big Three” fought epic encounters on court that headlined the sport in the 21st century.
“I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world,” Nadal said.
“It’s been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court.
“We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that. For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you.”
