Tennis legend Roger Federer drew curtains on his remarkable career after his ultimate doubles match alongside long-time rival and friend Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup on Saturday. In an evening that was emotional from the start, Federer bid adieu to his beloved sport in front of a sold-out O2 Arena in London and his fans got a final glimpse of him through their screens, playing professional tennis for the very last time.
After his final match on the tennis court, 20-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi tweeted an emotional clip of his tearful farewell. Federer's composure ultimately gave way after the loss, and he started crying. Nadal, a teammate, sobbed alongside him the entire time. Federer repeatedly embraced his fellow tennis players, coaches, and officials before embracing his cherished family.
Team Europe and Team World come together to celebrate @rogerfederer #LaverCup pic.twitter.com/LR3NRZD7Zo
Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 24, 2022
As each of them paid respect to an absolute legend of his sport, the tennis master was also carried on their shoulders by his teammates and competitors. Federer then performed a victory lap and thanked the people who had been supporting him nonstop. “Team Europe and Team World come together to celebrate Roger Federer”, Laver Cup wrote in their caption.
This week, Roger Federer announced his departure from the world of competitive tennis. The pinnacle of tennis has been the 20-time Grand Slam winner. Together with his enduring adversaries Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, he helped to create a golden era of men's tennis with his absolute class and passion for the sport. The "Big Three" were not totally prepared for the onslaught of emotions they experienced on Saturday, though.
The world's most captivating tennis duo, Federer and Nadal, were defeated by Team World's Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in a torturous battle by scores of 4-6, 7-6, and 11-9, so Federer's last dance wasn't exactly a success.
Roger Federer faces defeat against Rafael Nadal, bids emotional farewell
