An emotional beginning of the weekend for tennis fans worldwide after legend Roger Federer played his final ATP match alongside longtime friend and foe Rafael Nadal on Friday at Laver Cup 2022.
With the amazing atmosphere, Big Four’s reunion, wife Mirka, parents, and four kids in London’s O2 arena, Roger called his send-off “exactly what I hoped for”.
As the team event of the Laver Cup continues over the weekend with action-packed matches, teammate Roger Federer does an excellent job of mentoring his squad and supports Team Europe to his fullest.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Class act by Roger Federer!
On Saturday, while Djokovic was playing his doubles match alongside the Italian Matteo Berrettini, the Swiss maestro Federer showed his gentlemanliness by picking up teammate Novak’s bag from the bench and keeping it aside.
Not great quality but you can see Roger carrying Novak's bag https://t.co/wlSUyfYqMm pic.twitter.com/BpFQvMMxDu
— Soumya #1inNY2022 (@9_2_7_3) September 25, 2022
Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic are immensely known for their fierce rivalry on the Grand Slam courts. Beyond their pioneering tennis, all three of them share a congenial relationship that makes them commendable athletes.
On Saturday, after trouncing Frances Tiafoe 6-1, 6-3, Novak Djokovic articulated the emotional moment about Friday night’s farewell.
“I think we would all agree that this was one of the most beautiful moments that everyone has experienced live or on the TV, the tennis courts worldwide, of all-time,” said Novak.
“We all knew there was going to be an emotional farewell for Roger but I think we were all taken away by the moment.”
“At the same time, it’s kind of a mix of emotions. Sadness, because one of the greatest athletes of all time is leaving the sport, but on the other hand, seeing him happy with the way it all played out.”
“When Roger leaves the tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too”: Rafael Nadal
22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal is having a tough time with his personal matters and he revealed saying, “I’m not okay”.
Nadal’s pregnant wife has been having pregnancy issues and it has been stressing the Spanish champion for a while.
Despite his personal dilemma, Nadal marked his presence at the Laver Cup and flew to London just to attend his close friend’s farewell and support him to play the last match of his career.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Federer’s egress has definitely affected Nadal, as without Roger there’s no Rafa!
At the very beginning of the Spaniard’s career, the Swiss maestro Roger pushed the muscular man from Mallorca to reach the summit of the sport with his fierce competitive tennis. And like Nadal mentions, with Roger’s departure, a crucial part of him has disappeared from his life.
“When Roger leaves the tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too because all the moments he has been next or in front me in important moments of my life. So has been emotional (to) see the family, see all the people. Yeah, difficult to describe. But, yeah, amazing moment,” old friend Rafa shared his emotions on Roger’s departure.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With Rafa crying shedding tears and them holding hands while Roger bids his adieu, the moment has become “the most beautiful sporting picture”.