Roger Federer retires after teaming with Rafael Nadal in last match
Team Europe's Roger Federer, ducks under a ball, as he plays with Rafael Nadal during their Laver Cup doubles match against Team World's Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the O2 arena in London, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.LONDON — This day, this match, had to come, of course, for Roger Federer, and for tennis, just as it inevitably must for every athlete in every sport.
“When Roger leaves the tour, an important part of my life is leaving, too,” said Nadal, 36, who used the words “sad” and “unforgettable” to describe the occasion. “It’s been a wonderful day. I told the guys I’m happy; I’m not sad,” Federer said. “I enjoyed tying my shoes one more time. Everything was the last time.”
He had said he wanted this to feel more like a party than a funeral, and the crowd obliged, rising for a loud and lengthy standing ovation when Federer and Nadal — each wearing a white bandanna, blue shirt and white shorts — emerged together from a tunnel leading out to the black court for the last match on Day 1 at the O2 Arena. They remained on their feet for nearly 10 minutes, through the pre-match warmup, holding aloft phone cameras to capture the moment.
Doubles requires far less movement and court coverage, of course, so the stress on Federer's knee was limited Friday. In the first set, the older duo couldn’t quite hear each other between points, so Federer trotted from the net back to the baseline to consult with Nadal, then pointed to his ear to signal what the issue was.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Roger Federer to end tennis career with final match in LondonTennis star Roger Federer will retire with 20 Grand Slam titles.
Read more »
Roger Federer to play final match of career with Rafael NadalRoger Federer and Rafael Nadal will join forces in what's expected to be the Swiss star's final professional tennis match.
Read more »
Roger Federer teaming with Rafael Nadal for Laver Cup retirement matchAs Roger Federer gets ready to call it a career, he and his longtime rival will share the court one last time — as partners.
Read more »
Roger Federer Takes the Court One Last TimeRoger Federer is hanging up his racket after a record-breaking run. Look back at the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s career in photos.
Read more »