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Roger Federer Rafael Nadal (image source: Twitter)
Tennis great Roger Federer played his last competitive match on Friday night alongside his rival Rafael Nadal in what has come out as one of the greatest sporting moments in the sport. The two players have fought for superiority on the court for almost two decades. Despite that, however, both have the utmost respect for each other.
The same respect was on display at the Laver Cup when the two greats played together against the young opponent team of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. The two did not win the match in the end but it was never about winning it, to begin with. It was a farewell match for the Swiss alongside players who he had played against and partook in the sport for years. The game ended with a score of 6-4, 6-7, 9-11 in Team World's favour, with Team Europe coming out on the losing side.
What followed however was a post-match interview that had everyone shedding tears of sadness over the 41-year's retirement. The 20-time Grand Slam winner retired from the sport with a tearful end.
"We'll get through this somehow," Federer said on court. "Look, it has been a wonderful day. I told the guys I'm happy, I'm not sad. It feels great to be here and I enjoyed tying my shoes one more time.
"Everything was the last time. Funny enough with all the matches, being with the guys and having family and friends, I didn't feel the stress so much even if I felt something would go during the match. I am so glad I made it through and the match was great. I couldn't be happier."
Watching the tennis ace tear up alongside Nadal and everyone inside the court, moved every sports fan in the world. The Cricket fraternity was also moved by Federer's departure from Tennis and soon cricketers took to Twitter to write heartfelt notes on the legend.
Here's how the cricketing fraternity reacted to Roger Federer's farewell match.
Endless memories, a role model par excellence and pure class in everything he did. Thank you, @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/RUpSPC61Al
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) September 24, 2022
Who thought rivals can feel like this towards each other. That’s the beauty of sport. This is the most beautiful sporting picture ever for me🙌❤️🫶🏼. When your companions cry for you, you know why you’ve been able to do with your god given talent.Nothing but respect for these 2. pic.twitter.com/X2VRbaP0A0
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 24, 2022
Thank you for all the amazing moments. The world of sports will miss you. #RF 🐐🎾 pic.twitter.com/TAqXMoRFEo
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) September 24, 2022
Greatness personified. One of a kind. Iconic.
Happy retirement, you absolute legend @rogerfederer! 👑 pic.twitter.com/sjzTxlFLcA
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) September 24, 2022
"When the moment comes
And the gathering stands
And the clock turns back to reflect
On the years of grace
As those footsteps trace
For the last time out of the act.."#ThankYouRoger pic.twitter.com/lp2tJ4YdIo— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 24, 2022
These two pics sum up what sports about. Loved their rivalry but most importantly the respect for each other. #passion #goats https://t.co/55seb8SgMD
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) September 24, 2022
A beautiful end to a career that has been amazing throughout. Thank you @rogerfederer for the memories. Go well and enjoy your retirement. You will be missed #Federer pic.twitter.com/3jOOkLoJw1
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) September 24, 2022
This will make anyone and everyone who play, watch and love sport shed a tear and a half. This photograph epitomises sport at its pinnacle - @rogerfederer @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/49IcB7RRzb
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) September 24, 2022