Roger Federer, one of the greatest sportsmen of all time, farewelled professional tennis today alongside great rival Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup.
While it ended in narrow defeat, the two legends were united in their tears of joy, before Federer delivered an emotional, classy farewell interview.
“It’s been perfect journey, I would do it all over again,” Federer said at one point.
Reflecting on his journey from junior talent to all-time great, he said: “It was never supposed to be that way. I was just happy to play tennis and spend time with my friends, really.
“It’s been so much fun,” he added. “It’s been amazing. Thank you, everybody. I’ve had so many people cheer me on. And you guys here tonight, it means the world.”
Federer struggled to speak through his tears, breaking down as he spoke of the support from his family and wife Mirka, who were in the stands in London.
‘Perfect journey’: Federer’s teary farewell after dream team match with Rafa
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“We’ll get through this, somehow,” Federer said. “It’s been a wonderful day. I told the guys: I’m happy, I’m not sad.”
“It feels great to be here,” Federer continued. “I enjoyed tying my shoes one more time. Everything was the last time. And funny enough, with all the matches and having the guys being here – fans, family, friends – I didn’t feel the stress so much, even though I did think I’d pop a calf, or block a back or something in the match.”
“So I am so happy I made it through. The match was great. I couldn’t be happier. It’s been wonderful. And of course, playing with Rafa on the same team and having the guys – everybody here, all the legends – Rocket, Edberg, Stefan, thank you.”
Federer finished his career playing in a Team Europe squad including Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray – the other members of the legendary ‘Big Four’.
“I didn’t want it to feel lonely out there,” he said. “It felt lonely for a second when they told me to go out, or you wanted me to come out one more time. I feel great, but to be saying goodbye as a team – I always felt I was a team player at the heart, but singles doesn’t really do that a whole lot.
“I’ve had a team that travelled with me for around the world. It’s been amazing with them. So thanks to everybody who made it work for so many years. And then of course, being on the team with Andy, Thomas, Novak, Mateo, Cam, Stefanos, Rafa and Casper and also the other team: you guys are unbelievable. It’s been a pleasure, playing all these Laver Cups.
“It does feel like a celebration to me. I wanted it to feel like this at the end and it’s exactly what I hoped for. So thank you.”
Federer broke down even further when asked about his family’s support.
“We have to go there?” he joked. “I’ve done OK so far I feel. I’m at least able to talk. In my vision I was never able to talk, so I’m doing way better. Everybody’s here tonight from my family, so it’s great. I’ve had so much fun over the last 13 years [of marriage]. Everybody’s here, the girls, the boys. My wife’s been so supportive. She could have stopped me a long, long time ago, but she didn’t. She kept me going and allowed me to play. It’s amazing. Thank you.”
Barely able to talk through his tears, Federer went on: “I find it always funny that we always blame my mom for everything, because without her, I wouldn’t be here of course. So thanks to my parents, you have been amazing. Thank you. And just everybody, too many people to thank. It’s just been incredible, my God. A fantastic night. Thank you, everybody.
