It’s not the way Roger Federer wanted to go out, but Friday’s loss in a doubles match in the Laver Cup in London ended his legendary tennis career.
Federer and doubles partner Rafael Nadal were in tears following their loss.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in tears next to one another 😭❤️pic.twitter.com/3cuNijL5A3
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 23, 2022
The numbers don’t tell the full story of the popular Federer’s amazing 24-year career, but they’re part of the legend. There were 20 Grand Slam titles, third on the all-time men’s list to Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21). He notched 103 singles tournament victories, second behind Jimmy Connors’ 109 in the post-1968 Open era. The Swiss star won a record eight Wimbledon men’s titles. He was ranked No. 1 in the world for 310 weeks, which included a record 237 consecutive weeks, and finished the year ranked No. 1 five times.
So looking back at a great career, Federer had plenty to celebrate after Friday’s loss, in which he and Nadal ultimately lost their match to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
“It’s been a wonderful day,” Federer said immediately afterward (via ESPN). “I said to the guys I’m not sad, I’m happy. It feels like a celebration to me. It’s exactly what I had hoped for.”
It didn’t take long before the tributes to Federer began pouring in on social media.
A legendary career for Roger Federer 👏
🙌 369 Major match wins
🏆 103 career ATP singles titles
🏆 20x Grand Slam champion
🏅 2x Olympic medalist pic.twitter.com/2m55LoV0SV— ESPN (@espn) September 23, 2022
If there's one thing you watch today, make it this.#LaverCup | @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/Ks9JqEeR6B
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 23, 2022
End of an era 💚🎾@serenawilliams | @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/XELGpmr0ZC
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 24, 2022
Roger Federer signing off ✍️
Thanks for the magic! pic.twitter.com/qr9Wbw9JTf
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) September 23, 2022
"At heart, I'm always going to be a ballboy"
🥹 @rogerfederer #RForever pic.twitter.com/0CN93SSdgv
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 23, 2022
Legend. @rogerfederer | #RForever | @LaverCup | #LaverCup pic.twitter.com/TEkxmUvltA
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 23, 2022
Enjoy your retirement, Roger. Thanks for the memories.
[ESPN]