By Ian Chadband
With a simple paean to Roger Federer’s greatness, Nick Kyrgios has joined the chorus of laments, thanks and tributes following news of the champion’s impending retirement from tennis.
“No one will ever play the game like you,” Australia’s Wimbledon finalist declared in a social media address to Federer – and he was not alone as the game’s greatest players, headed by Novak Djokovic, continued the salutes to the Swiss maestro.
Nick Kyrgios and Roger Federer.Credit:Getty Images
Kyrgios, who’s never hidden how he believes Federer was even better than Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the big three, added on his Instagram post: “Enjoy it @rogerfederer …… was an honour.”
Kyrgios had originally been down to play in what will now be Federer’s farewell competition, next week’s Laver Cup in London, but pulled out after his exhausting recent schedule in the US.
The Australian loves playing for the “world” team against Europe’s best and had previously played Federer three times in the three-day competition – losing on each occasion.
After his Wimbledon final defeat by Djokovic, Kyrgios had noted: “He doesn’t make you feel as bad as Federer does at times.
“I think Federer, out of the three guys, can make you feel really bad, like he makes you want to leave the court. He can make things seem really quick and that the court’s really small.”
Djokovic will be part of Team Europe’s side in the event which starts next Friday, alongside the Serbian Wimbledon champ, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, who are reuniting one last time.
And before what seems bound to be an emotional occasion, at London’s O2 arena, Djokovic paid his own fond tribute to the Swiss, saying on Instagram: “Roger it’s hard to see this day and put into words all that we’ve shared in this sport together.
“Over a decade of incredible moments and battles to think back on. Your career has set the tone for what it means to achieve excellence and lead with integrity and poise.
“It’s an honour to know you on and off court, and for many more years to come.
“I know that this new chapter will hold amazing things for you, Mirka, the kids, all your loved ones, and Roger fans still have a lot to look forward to.
“From our family to yours, we wish you much joy, health, and prosperity in the future. Looking forward to celebrating your achievements and seeing you in London.”
Serena Williams also welcomed Federer to the “retirement club”, with his farewell to the sport coming so quickly after her extraordinary final bow at the US Open.
“I wanted to find the perfect way to say this, as you so eloquently put this game to rest – perfectly done, just like your career.
“I have always looked up to you and admired you. Our paths were always so similar, so much the same. You inspired countless millions and millions of people – including me – and we will never forget.
“I applaud you and look forward to all that you do in the future. Welcome to the retirement club. And thank you for being you.”
Venus Williams, hopefully not putting her sister’s nose out of joint, just chipped in on Instagram: “The greatest ever. Miss you already.”
Australia qualify for Davis Cup finals
No nail-biting or horseshoe-clutching will be necessary for Lleyton Hewitt now that his Australian side has been confirmed as definite qualifiers for the Davis Cup finals week.
Hewitt’s men had faced the nervy prospect of having to go into Sunday’s final group match against hosts Germany in Hamburg with qualification for the competition climax in Malaga in November still not guaranteed despite their two wins this week over France and Belgium.
But Germany’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Belgians on Friday was enough to ensure Australia will be among the eight quarter-finalists who’ll take their place among the elite for the knock-out climax to the event in Spain.
It’s great news for Hewitt, whose team will now be battling with the hosts on Sunday to simply top the group.
Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt celebrates with Matt Ebden (right) and Max Purcell after victory over France.Credit:AP
It will give him the opportunity to give Thanasi Kokkinakis a run without any pressure should Hewitt’s No.2 ranked player be fit enough after a week in which he has felt under the weather and was replaced by debutant Jason Kubler.
If Australia end up winning group C, they’ll play the runners-up of group B, which could be Serbia, Canada or hosts Spain, featuring Carlos Alcaraz, whose first match as world No.1 ended with a 6-7 (3-7), 6-4, 6-4 loss to Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in Valencia on Friday.
If Hewitt’s side end as runners-up, they’ll play the winners of group D, which will either be USA or the Netherlands, both victorious in their first two matches.
AAP
Watch Roger Federer’s last ever tennis event in the Laver Cup with every match streaming live & exclusive on Stan Sport from Wednesday 23 September.
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