New Delhi: Roger Federer bid adieu to his professional tennis career on Saturday after playing his long-time rival and friend, Rafael Nadal for Laver Cup. Despite winning the match against Federer, he was seen crying over his friend’s ending. The photos and videos of the moment are now being widely shared online.
Notably, Federer announced his retirement on September 15, saying the Laver Cup will be the last game of his career.
Watch the video below here:
Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer in tears after Federer’s retirement is the best sports moment you’ll see in some time.
Ultimate respect. ?? pic.twitter.com/fUeY8wQSTM
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 23, 2022
Among the biggest sports personalities, Virat Kohli reacted with a heavy heart on Twitter. Sharing the picture of the duo of tennis player crying, Virat said that this was the most beautiful sporting picture ever for him.
”Who thought rivals can feel like this towards each other. That’s the beauty of sport. This is the most beautiful sporting picture ever for me?❤️??. When your companions cry for you, you know why you’ve been able to do with your god given talent.Nothing but respect for these 2,” worte Kohli on Twitter.
Who thought rivals can feel like this towards each other. That’s the beauty of sport. This is the most beautiful sporting picture ever for me?❤️??. When your companions cry for you, you know why you’ve been able to do with your god given talent.Nothing but respect for these 2. pic.twitter.com/X2VRbaP0A0
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 24, 2022
Australian cricketer David Warner also reacted to the final match of the 41-year-old player on Twitter. ”These two pics sum up what sports about, Loved their rivalry but most importantly the respect for each other.”
These two pics sum up what sports about. Loved their rivalry but most importantly the respect for each other. #passion #goats https://t.co/55seb8SgMD
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) September 24, 2022
Earlier on September 22, Serbian Tennis player Novak Djokovic thanked Laver Cup for providing opportunities to play against the legends and rivals. He also shared a photo on Tweet. In the photo, he can be seen with the Swiss player Roger Federer, Spanish Tennis player Rafel Nadal and British Tennis Player Andy Murray.
Once in a lifetime experience to be on the same court with these legends and rivals. Thank you @LaverCup for making it possible. Looking forward to a great weekend of tennis and a celebration of @rogerfederer’s career. @RafaelNadal @andy_murray pic.twitter.com/eMAGnbHxle
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) September 22, 2022
On the day on September 15, Rafel Nadal wrote on Twitter, ”Dear Roger,my friend and rival. I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world. It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court.”
Dear Roger,my friend and rival.
I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.
It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court ??— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022
Brief overview of Roger Federer’s tennis career
In his career, Federer won a total of 103 titles. Besides, Federer also won an Olympic singles silver medal, and an Olympic doubles gold medal. In a 24-year-long career, Federer also won 20 Grand Slam titles. He won his first Grand Slan title at Wimbledon in 2003 while the last and 2oth title in 2018.
However, his friend and rival, Rafael Nadal holds 22 Grand Slam titles followed by Novak Djokovic with 21.
