LONDON: Swiss legendary Tennis player Roger Federer put an end to his illustrious career following a doubles defeat alongside Rafael Nadal in the Laver Cup 2022 clash against Team World on Saturday.
The legendary tennis player, who announced to retire from the professional sport last week took on the court for the final time on Saturday with his traditional rival Nadal representing Team Europe against Team World at the Laver Cup.
It appeared to be a flawless swansong for Federer, and much of it appeared to be on track as he, alongside Nadal, claimed the first set with ease. But, Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World, disrupted the festivities, winning the match 4-6, 7-6(2), 11-9.
Federer hugged Nadal and his teammates after the match before breaking down in tears. The camera then caught sight of Nadal in tears as well.
All the Fedal feelings.#LaverCup pic.twitter.com/WKjhcADFoe
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 24, 2022
The footage of the two legendary tennis players sharing an emotional moment has been making rounds on social media and received a lot of praise from sports fans.
“It’s been wonderful. And of course playing with Rafa, on the same team, having all the guys here and all the legends, Rocket [Rod Laver], Stefan Edberg – thank you. It is amazing, it really is [to share the court with Rafa and the others]. I didn’t want it to feel lonely out there. It felt lonely for a second when they told me to come out one more time, it didn’t feel great. But to say goodbye in a team, I always felt I was a team player at heart,” Federer said during his emotional farewell speech on Saturday.
“Singles doesn’t really do that a whole lot but I’ve had a team that travelled with me around the world. It’s been amazing with them. Thanks to everybody who made it work for so many years. Of course being on a team with Andy [Murray], Thomas [Enqvist], Novak [Djokovic], Matteo [Berrettini], Cam [Norrie], Stefanos [Tsitsipas], Rafa and Casper [Ruud] – and also the other team – you guys are unbelievable.”
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