It meant the world: Roger Federer writes heartfelt note to fans after emotional farewell match at Laver Cup

Roger Federer played his last competitive game on Friday (September 23) in the ongoing 2022 Laver Cup in a doubles tie with long-term rival Rafael Nadal playing for Team Europe. Federer was in tears after the match ended and gave an emotional speech that moved many watching across the globe.

TN Sports Desk

Updated Sep 24, 2022, 18:10 IST

Roger Federer bid adieu to the sport on Friday in the Laver cup

Photo : AP

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Roger Federer has retired from Tennis
Federer bid adieu to the sport in the 2022 Laver Cup
The Swiss mastero won 20 Grand Slam titles

Roger Federer's legendary Tennis career that saw him establish himself among the greatest to have played the sport in history came to an end on Friday (September 23). Federer played the final competitive match of his incredible career in the ongoing 2022 Laver Cup at London's famous O2 Arena.

Federer's last professional game of his tournament came in a double game for Team Europe while playing alongside long-term rival Rafael Nadal. While Nadal and Federer lost the match to Team World's pair of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in what was an intense game that went to the tie-break, it turned out to be an occasion which celebrated Federer's career with the crowd in full spirits.

Following the match, Federer was in tears as he reflected on an incredible career. Even Nadal could not control his emotions while bidding farewell to his greatest ever rival and now someone that he has a very close friendship with. The Swiss Maestro addressed the crowd after the match ended and gave a moving speech in which he recalled his career and thanked his family.

A day after the emotional events in London, Federer took to social media and wrote a heartfelt note to fans. "It was a magical evening yesterday. Thank you again to all the players and fans who were here to share this moment with me. It means the world," wrote Federer on Twitter.

Federer announced his retirement on September 15 and revealed his body has struggled to recover from the injuries and surgeries in the last three years. Prior to his outing in the Laver Cup, Federer was last seen on the Tennis Court during the 2021 Wimbledon in which he reached the Quarter-finals.

Federer leaves the sport with 20 Grand Slam titles which makes him the third most successful player in history. His major titles include 8 Wimbledons, 6 Australian Opens, 5 US Opens, and 1 French Open title.

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