It breaks our hearts when ace personalities who have entertained us over the years and given us wonderful memories say adieu to their craft. Last month when Serena Williams announced her retirement from tennis, fans called it the ‘end of an era’.
It’s the same bittersweet feeling as Swiss professional tennis player Roger Federer ends his competitive career.
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Taking to social media, the man who has played 1500 matches over the span of 24 years said that he is now ready to skip Grand Slams and tours as his body is giving him the message lately.
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
While he would continue to play the sport, the Laver Cup next week in London will be his last ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) event.
He took this moment to thank everyone, from his fans to family, competitors, and team, who was associated with him when his love for tennis bloomed when he was a ball kid in his hometown of Basel.
Without fail, he acknowledged his competitors in his note with whom he had played some epic matches fairly and passionately.
For him, the 24 years of tours seemed like 24 hours when he was fortunate to play in 40 countries.
Concluding his heartfelt note, the ace sports personality penned how his dreams led him to work harder and brought him to the crossroads in life.
“Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.”
Of course, many hearts skipped a beat and many eyes became moist after reading his note. But gracefully accepting the fact that it was time for him to go, people wished him well.
i enjoyed watching you play king https://t.co/Irc1WcjZjd pic.twitter.com/viwNqBvvxO
— • (@mrvlpnks) September 15, 2022
Legend👏🏻
Thanks for all the great matches that we have seen and shared moments https://t.co/3f7qQgWCTz— Alex Dolgopolov (@TheDolgo) September 15, 2022
What a career, what a man, Legend of the game. Tennis will never be the same without you. Thank you for all the memories @rogerfederer .. wish you a very happy retirement#RogerFederer https://t.co/RmLexasoVS
— NILAMADHAB PANDA ନୀଳମାଧବ ପଣ୍ଡା (@nilamadhabpanda) September 15, 2022
all the best for the future 🐐❤️🇨🇭 https://t.co/3lWZTMYth0
— Xherdan Shaqiri (@XS_11official) September 15, 2022
The greatest of all time! ❤️ https://t.co/pC6PDpeE5o
— Sayyeshaa (@sayyeshaa) September 16, 2022
Thank you, Maestro – for all these years of your phenomenal game, inspiring sportspersonship, and some great lessons in humility and gratitude.
Will miss watching you on the court, Mighty Federer. https://t.co/FoVZ3Xz66Q
— CP Gurnani (@C_P_Gurnani) September 16, 2022
Been a privilege to watch Connors, Borg, McEnroe, Lendl , Agassi, Sampras, Nadal, Djokovic and Federer. Love the class Federer has shown. What an amazing career!
Would have loved to wake up and read a Bud Collins column in the @BostonGlobe on him! I still miss Bud to this day! https://t.co/UWIPDLyXae
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) September 16, 2022
I knew this day was coming- doesn't make it any easier. So happy I got to see Roger play on centre court at Wimbledon. I'll always cherish that experience. Thank you @rogerfederer for all that you gave the sport and for the impeccable example you have set for all athletes. #GOAT https://t.co/tYvnYIrVLP
— Kara Wagland (@Kara_Wagland) September 15, 2022
The only reason I watched tennis every summer as a child! What a role model for the sport and will remain so! Not sure there is anyone to replace what he brings to the game but here’s hoping someone can take the mantle 🙌🏽 A fan favourite & will retire as the greatest 🐐 🎾 #RF https://t.co/QVRo3e7dcK
— Shane Walsh (@shane147walsh) September 15, 2022
Among them was his Spanish competitor Rafael Nadal who wished this day would never come. Nadal took to Twitter and paid rich tributes to his mate, his rival.
“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.”
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“We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that. For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London @LaverCup.”
We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that.
For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London @LaverCup— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022
Farewell, champ! We will miss you.