The outpouring of tributes to Roger Federer started almost instantaneously after he announced his decision to step away from the sport at the age of 41.
In a video uploaded to social media, the former world No.1 confirmed that next week’s Laver Cup will be the last competitive tournament of his career. Bringing an end to one of the most successful tennis careers of all time which started 24 years ago at the 1998 Gstaad Open where he made his ATP debut at the tender age of 17. Federer would go on to win an outstanding 103 ATP titles which is a tally that has only ever been passed by Jimmy Connors. He holds the records for the oldest ATP world No.1 (36 years), most consecutive weeks as world No.1 (237) and most Grand Slam main draw wins by a male player (369).
“Tennis has treated me more generously than I would ever have dreamt and now I must recognise when it’s time to end my competitive career,” said Federer who has been battling a knee injury in recent months.
One of the first to pay tribute was his long-time nemesis, Rafael Nadal. The two have locked horns 40 times on the Tour with nine of those being in a Grand Slam final. The rivalry lasted 15 years with their first meeting taking place at the 2004 Miami Masters and their last at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships. Federer won 16 of those encounters.
“Dear Roger, my friend and rival. I wish this day would have never come,” Nadal said in a series of posts on social media.
“It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.”
“It’s been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court.”
“We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that.
“For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London.”
Like when Serena Williams announced that she was ‘evolving’ away from tennis earlier this year, some younger players paid tribute to Federer for being an idol for them. One of which includes newly crowned US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz. A player who was born just two months before Federer won his first of 20 Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon in 2003.
“Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration! Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! I still want to play with you! Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next!” Alcaraz commented.
Canada’s Denis Shapovalov said it was a ‘privilege’ to share a court with the Swiss Maestro and has hailed him as a ‘role model.’ John Isner said that Federer’s impact on the sport ‘exceeds what he has accomplished on court.’
Stan Wawrinka played the majority of his career in the shadows of Federer despite the high among of success he has achieved. Together they won gold in the men’s doubles at the 2008 Olympic Games to become the first and only all-Swiss champions in its history.
“Forever grateful for all the memories on and off the court. Tennis will never be the same without you. Enjoy the next chapter in your life with your beautiful family,” said Wawrinka.
“Thank you my friend for everything you have done for me over the years! It was a true honour to share the court against you but it was even more special to be in the same team as you.”
Iga Swiatek was among various figures from the women’s game to react to Federer’s announcement.
“I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you are for our sport. It’s been a privilege to witness your career. I wish you all the best,” said the world No.1.
Petra Kvitova paid special attention to Federer’s ‘elegance, grace and beautiful game’ in her social media tribute. Meanwhile, Belinda Bencic cited a quote which was once said to her.
