“We are going to be forever grateful to be a part of the GOAT’s final match,” said Jack Sock, who, along with Frances Tiafoe, played against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the Laver Cup 2022. London’s O2 arena witnessed a night to remember, filled with tears, cheers, and stunning tennis, where Federer played his last match, which sadly ended with his defeat. Irrespective of the result, the match remained etched in every fan’s heart, but for Sock, it is still the “weirdest” match of his career!

During Nothing Major’s 20th September episode, Sock shared about his unforgettable face-off with Roger Federer and Nadal when the host of the show asked him a fan’s question, “Was a small part of Jack wanted Federer and Nadal to win in Federer’s last match?” The American player, Sock, responded by highlighting the immense pressure he faced during the match, which ended in 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 11-9. “I would say no. I think it was obviously a very weird match, for sure.”

The 31-year-old former player further explained the unpredictability of how Roger Federer was going to play, owing to his persistent knee injury that became one of the reasons why he retired. But the now pickleball player, Sock, understood, “the crowd is going to be so against us.” Nevertheless, he admitted, “Obviously, probably the biggest in my career, in Frances’s career, playing Roger, playing Rafa Nova, playing the goats of our sport.”

However, it did not hold back Sock from putting “a point on the board for our team (Team World).” The former World No. 8 further added how they remained firm in their goal regardless of the fact that it was Federer’s last match. Sock estimated that only “four people” were cheering for him and Tiafoe, but capitalizing on that, the duo intended to give their best to the match. Nevertheless, he concluded by saying, “But by far the weirdest match I’ve ever played, without a doubt.”

Federer, 41 at the time, and his long-time friend, Nadal, tried to put their ‘A’ game on during the 2 hours, 12 minute long match, which ended his 24-year-long career in tennis. At the end of the match, Federer, with his voice cracking with emotions, summed up his experience, saying he was ‘happy’ and enjoyed every bit of the match without any stress. Nevertheless, for Sock, the last shot of the match led him to have a distinct feeling!

Sock reflects on his “numb” reaction during Roger Federer’s retirement match 

“It’s been wonderful,” Roger Federer said after his emotional match in London as he concluded his “perfect” journey in tennis. But for the players on the opposite side of the net, it was different a feeling. Sock admitted that the clash felt like a ” competitive match,” when they were playing, but afterward, even he couldn’t help but bawl at the emotional scene.

“Tiafoe and I played him together for the first time, trying to bring crazy energy…It was super fun to just be a part of that match. But I don’t think it settled in until after. When I hit that last shot and realized it was over, it was, like, kind of went numb.”

Despite the unusual circumstances, Sock’s admiration for Federer, who held a 4-0 lead over the American, has always been palpable. Although it was a bittersweet victory for Sock, it certainly was a unique experience for him!