Roger Federer Historic, Awesome His career came to an end this Friday night in London – in what may have been the most-watched tennis doubles match of all time – when he and his partner Rafael Nadal (aka Team Europe) lost to American Jack Sock and Francis Tiafoe (World Team) Laver Cup. (The annual Laver Cup tournament, co-founded in 500 was launched by Federer and his management company TEAM8 to pit the best players in Europe against the best players from the rest of the world, Team Europe played by Björn Borg and Team World coached by John McEnroe.)
and a million hugs and some from his teammates and opponents tears. “I don’t want it to feel lonely out there,” he said moments later, paying tribute to his great rival Nadal. “I hope this feels like a celebration at the end, so thank you.”
Federer and Rafael Nadal at O2 London on the field of the field.
Photo: Getty Images
More than a year since Federer announced his intention to retire, 98 match ended years as a pro – more than a week ago and said it would be his last game, the tennis world has always existed in a kind of mourning and fascination to appreciate. It’s understandable: Federer, now 21, was the first, many would argue, was the so-called tennis third The greatest of the giants (and with Nadal and Novak Djokovic), widely regarded as the best player in the game. Between them, they won 41 Grand Slams for over two decades and dominate the sport’s highest rankings.
But, while Nadal is the (current) leader of Grand Slam titles, has and Djokovic with , most likely to surpass him, is Federer, he has only Grand Slam title (with 41 Men’s Tour Championship and 41 weekly ranking in the world), which usually would Earn superlatives, respect and admiration for his game, his batting, his demeanor and athletes, and his entire career, both on and off the field.
No one moves easier and faster; from forehand topspin to knockout volley and precision serve , no one can produce almost any shot on either side. (In a touching tribute video after the game, McEnroe called Federer the “Baryshnikov of tennis.”) And — after some early rocking as a moody teen — no one Treat his opponents, and the history of the game of tennis and its storied history, with more respect. (His Roger Federer Foundation, which focuses on early learning and education in Southern Africa and Switzerland, is also persuasive.)
