The tears came when Roger Federer thanked his European teammates in the Laver Cup, while the applause went round in the tennis hall. – Thank you, the audience could read on the lips of the tennis star, who clapped back at the audience. Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe beat Swiss Federer and Spanish Nadal 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 11-9 in the tournament where a team of players from Europe plays against a team from the rest of the world. The final set was played as a tiebreak to 10 points after the competitor had won each set. – It has been a fantastic day. I’m not sorry, it’s great to be here. It feels like a celebration. It was exactly what I was hoping for, Federer said after what became his competition as a professional tennis player. – It had been friendly rivalry. “It hasn’t always been easy, because we’ve been fighting for the same titles, but our personal relationships have been the most important,” Nadal said before the match, adding that he was grateful to play in Federer’s last match. Roger Federer with Team Europe captain Björn Borg at the end of his final match after announcing his retirement. September 23, 2022 Photo: DYLAN MARTINEZ / Reuters Thanks to the wife – This is a great moment in my career. I couldn’t be happier, said a touched Federer after the match. The audience in the hall applauded Federer with applause and cheers. Among them were also his wife, four children and parents. – I am so grateful for all the support I have received. Choking down in tears, he especially thanked his wife, who has supported him over many years. – She could have put an end to this career of mine, but she has been absolutely fantastic, said Federer as tears flowed. Roger Federer thanked and embraced his wife Mirka Federer after his last match. Photo: DYLAN MARTINEZ / Reuters – one of the greatest The Swiss also thanked Nadal for the match. On the field, they have been fierce competitors for a number of years, but privately the tone is good. It was therefore fitting that they played together in the tournament that Federer had announced would be his last as a professional. The last time he played competitively was when he reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon last summer. – He is one of the greatest athletes, regardless of sport, of all time. The audience is going to have the experience of a lifetime tonight, said the Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud before the match Records and victories With Friday’s match in London, Federer put an end to a professional career that started in 1998. For a total of six years he has been ranked as the world’s best male tennis player, including the longest streak of anyone holding the top spot, for four and a half years – 237 weeks to be exact – from February 2004 to August 2008. He has collected eight singles victories at Wimbledon, more than any other male player and has in total won 20 Grand Slam titles. Although the Laver Cup marks the end of a 24-year professional career, Federer has said he will continue to play in the future, just not at this level. Team Europe’s Roger Federer is lifted by teammates after playing with Rafael Nadal in a Laver Cup doubles match against Team World’s Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the O2 arena in London, Friday, 23 September 2022 Photo: Kin Cheung / AP
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Tearful farewell match for tennis player Roger Federer – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
