It is not just an emotional moment for the fans of Tennis but a sad day for every sports fan as Roger Federer, one of the greatest ever athlete had bid farewell to Tennis. The Switzerland legend had an illustrious career and announced recently that he will be bidding farewell after the ‘Laver Cup’. He played alongside his biggest rival and good friend Rafael Nadal in the doubles tie which they lost.
The 20-time Grand Slam Champion became emotional as soon as the game ended and Rafael Nadal stayed by his side. The video clip of the two legends getting emotional is currently going viral on the internet. It is a very heart-touching moment and it is sure to make even a rock cry. Many are saying that there is no greater success than your biggest rival crying on your farewell. This explains the bond between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal despite the professional rivalry they had over the past two decades.
During his farewell speech, Federer said, “Funny enough with all the matches and having the guys being here, fans, family, friends, I didn’t feel the stress so much even though I did think something was going to go – pop a calf or block a back or something in the match. I’m so happy I made it through. The match was great and I couldn’t be happier.”
He added, “It’s been wonderful. And of course playing with Rafa, on the same team, having all the guys here and all the legends, Rocket [Rod Laver], Stefan Edberg – thank you. It is amazing, it really is [to share the court with Rafa and the others]. I didn’t want it to feel lonely out there. It felt lonely for a second when they told me to come out one more time, it didn’t feel great. But to say goodbye in a team, I always felt I was a team player at heart. Singles doesn’t really do that a whole lot but I’ve had a team that travelled with me around the world. It’s been amazing with them. Thanks to everybody who made it work for so many years. Of course being on a team with Andy [Murray], Thomas [Enqvist], Novak [Djokovic], Matteo [Berrettini], Cam [Norrie], Stefanos [Tsitsipas], Rafa and Casper [Ruud] – and also the other team – you guys are unbelievable.”
Talking about his career, Roger said, “It was never supposed to be that way. I was just happy to play tennis and spend time with my friends, really. It ended here. It’s been a perfect journey. I would do it all over again. It’s been great, it’s been so much fun, it’s been amazing. Thank you everybody. I’ve had so many people cheer me on. You guys here tonight, it means the world. I’ve been at least able to talk. In my vision I was never able to talk so I’m doing way better! Everybody is here tonight from my family, so it’s great.
I’ve had so much fun over the last 13 years ever since everybody’s here, the girls, the boys. My wife has been so supportive and… She could’ve stopped me a long, long time ago but she didn’t. She kept me going so it’s amazing. Thank you! I find it always funny. We always blame my mum for everything, because without her we wouldn’t be here at course. Thanks to my parents – you’ve been amazing. Thank you! And just everybody, too many people to thank, it’s just been incredible. My god. A fantastic night. Thank you everybody. Thank you everybody, thank you.”
