2022 was a tough year for many sporting fans as it witnessed some big retirements. While Sebastian Vettel hung up his boots in F1, the Tennis world was left sobbing over the great Roger Federer retiring. It was a huge sporting moment, as a legend of world sport was retiring. Many paid tribute to Federer’s illustrious career and unfathomable success. Although, NHL phenomenon Petr Mrazek has started paying homage to his favorite Federer in advance since 2021.

Petr Mrazek got a specially designed mask with his favorite athletes’ photos in February 2021. Mrazek was the goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes back then when he put pictures of Roger Federer and F1 star Charles Leclerc on either side of his mask as a public grand gesture.

As per Bardown.com, David Gunnarson designed this helmet for Mrazek’s return to the Hurricanes lineup after a thumb injury. The Czech goaltender since has moved on to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. In 2022, Mrazek once again moved teams to the Chicago Blackhawks. Recently, Mrazek suffered another groin injury. Yet, he was back to the starting line-up of the Blackhawks.

Like all sporting fans, Petr Mrazek also must have been emotional to watch his favorite Roger Federer bidding goodbye to Tennis. Meanwhile, he also may have his hopes shattered for Charles Leclerc after the Monegasque faltered to win the F1 championship this year.

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Like Mrazek, Federer is also an F1 fan. The Swiss legend had visited the Mercedes garage earlier this year. He also spoke about how he used to follow F1 back in his younger days.

When Roger Federer spoke about his F1 passion

Federer was at the 2022 Spanish GP when he expressed his passion for F1. The 8-time Wimbledon winner spent a lot of time with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell and attended several of the briefings.

He stated how he first visited a Grand Prix in 2016 It was the epic title decider in Abu Dhabi between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. Roger mentioned in Barcelona this year how he used to watch and follow F1 a lot in his childhood. Though since he started his Tennis career, it was difficult for him to keep up with the pinnacle of motorsport.

Nonetheless, this year it was only the 2nd Grand Prix he ever attended. Even Hamilton and Russell were thrilled to have the Tennis legend with them. The trio clicked some pictures as mementos of the weekend.

Upon his retirement news, the Mercedes team and drivers also posted a tribute to the Swiss star. Posting the same pictures from Barcelona, the Silver Arrows along with Hamilton and Russell congratulated Federer on his phenomenal career.

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From the NHL to F1, Federer certainly garnered lots of attention and praise over the years. It will be rare to see any sportsperson worldwide not recognizing Federer’s mammoth achievements in the last 2 decades. He has become one of those global athletes with an eternal presence in world sporting history.