(Reuters) – Roger Federer’s decision to retire may not have come as a surprise to the tennis world but Thursday’s announcement was still met with an outpouring of sadness as current and former players celebrated one of sport’s greatest athletes.
Heartbreak and goat (Greatest Of All Time) emojis filled social media after the 41-year-old Swiss posted a lengthy letter saying he was finally hanging up his racket after 24 years on the Tour, with next week’s Laver Cup in London set to be his swansong.
“Roger Federer is a champion’s champion,” said 12-times major winner Billie Jean King.
“He has the most complete game of his generation and captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court and a powerful tennis mind.”
Federer was the first player to win 20 Grand Slam titles but has since seen his record broken by Rafa Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21) as the ‘Big Three’ fought epic battles on court that headlined the sport in the 21st century.
Nadal himself has played Federer 40 times, holding a 24-16 record over his great friend and rival, who he has met 24 times in various tournament finals.
“I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world,” Nadal said.
“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.”
Having played over 1,500 matches, Federer still holds plenty of other records and is widely regarded as the greatest grasscourt player of all time having won Wimbledon eight times — a men’s record.
“It’s been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word,” Wimbledon said on Twitter.
“We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many.”
But more than his prowess on court, it was Federer’s charisma and genial personality that made him a role model for fans across generations.
“He redefined greatness on the court while his champion spirit, sportsmanship and the way he played the game thrilled audiences around the world for decades, inspiring so many to pick up a racket,” ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said.
“He spearheaded an incredible new era of growth and elevated the popularity of our sport. Few athletes have transcended their field in such a manner.
“Roger made us all feel proud and fortunate to be part of the same sport.”
U.S. Open champion Carlos Alcaraz, the latest entrant in the Grand Slam winners’ club, was not ready to say goodbye, however.
“Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration,” the new world number one said.
“Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! I still want to play with you.”
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
