Roger Federer to end his illustrious career on Friday
Together with longtime opponent Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup in London on Friday, Roger Federer eyes farewell alongside Nadal.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion revealed last week that he would call it quits following the three-day event at London’s 02 Arena, which begins on Friday.
Federer has been dealing with a knee issue; his most recent competitive encounter was a defeat to Hubert Hurkacz in the Wimbledon quarterfinals of last year.
The legendary Swiss player announced on Wednesday that his last match would be in the doubles on Friday night.
Then, during the weekend, Federer will be replaced by Italian Matteo Berrettini, the first alternate for the competition that sets Team Europe against Team World.
Although the great Swiss player does not yet know if he would be able to team up with Nadal, he stated that it would be the ideal situation.
He responded to a crowded press conference at the O2 with, “Of course, no doubt, You know, if it were to happen, I mean, I think it could be quite a unique situation”.
Federer claimed that despite competing for the highest prizes in the sport, he and Nadal, 36, have always respected one another.
“I think maybe a great message as well to not just tennis but sports and maybe even beyond,” he said. “For us as well to go through a career that we both have had and to come out on the other side and be able to have a nice relationship”.
“I think it would be fantastic because of it. Although I don’t know if it will, I believe it may be a very special moment,” he added.
The six-man Team Europe is led by Bjorn Borg and includes Nadal, who holds the record for most Grand Slam victories in men’s tennis with 22, Novak Djokovic, who has 21 championships, and three-time major champion Andy Murray.
Diego Schwartzman, Taylor Fritz, and Felix Auger-Aliassime are members of Team World, which is led by John McEnroe.
Federer stated his knee problems finally caused him to retire despite not having played competitively since losing in the Wimbledon quarterfinals the previous year.
He said, “My knee just doesn’t let me play at this level anymore. Over the course of the summer, I realised this, and I was simply searching for a point in time where I could declare it. My decision to end my career here felt incredibly appropriate”.
“It’s going to be beyond wonderful to have Bjorn Borg on the bench with me when I come out, and I thought it was really kind. When it’s time for me to call it a day, having a team behind me will make it feel less lonely”, he said.
‘WON’T BECOME A TENNIS GHOST’
Federer stated it was a “bittersweet decision,” but he was glad to retire from tennis at the age of 41.
“You always want to continue playing,” he said. “I enjoy being on the court, competing with guys, and travelling. I never truly thought that winning, learning from failure, and doing it all perfectly was that difficult for me. In every way, I adore my job”.
The Swiss player expressed satisfaction with his standing in the discussion of the greatest player in the history of the men’s game, despite the fact that Nadal and Djokovic have more Grand Slam victories than he does.
“Where I sit, I’m obviously quite proud and very delighted,” he declared. “Winning my 15th slam at Wimbledon, you know, while Pete [Sampras, who had won a then-record 14] was sitting there, was obviously one of my great moments. After then, anything was a bonus”.
Federer stated that it was appropriate for him to end his professional career in London, where he has achieved so much success. When he defeated Mark Philippoussis to win Wimbledon in 2003, he won his first Grand Slam trophy. He went on to win Wimbledon five years in a row before falling to Nadal in a 2008 classic.
“With Wimbledon nearby and here at the O2, this city has been special to me and maybe the most special spot. I just felt it was really fitting having played here, qualified for so long, and won here”.
Despite his impending retirement, he claimed he had no intention of going unnoticed: “I merely wanted to assure my supporters that I will not be a ghost. It’s ironic that Bjorn Borg, an 11-time major champion who gave up tennis at age 26, didn’t play at Wimbledon for 25 years, which saddens every fan”.
Roger Federer to end his illustrious career on Friday
Federer added, “I don’t believe I will be that man, though. Tennis has given me too much, in my opinion. I have spent much too much time in this game. have too many things that I’m in love with. I’ll see you soon. I’m not sure what capacity that is. Give myself some time; I need to think about it a little more”.
