Roger Federer Announces his Resignation After Laver Cup Loss

A tear-stained Roger Federer has said goodbye to his tennis pros after teaming up with  Rafael Nadal, who had an inspiring night in his cup at Laver.

ROGER FEDERER: 20-TIME GRAND SLAM CHAMPION RESIGNS AFTER LAVER CUP LOSS

The 41-year-old received a long ovation after leaving his last pitch as he retired as a professional. The Swiss, who has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, is considered one of the greatest players in tennis history. “It was a wonderful day. I’m not sad, I’m happy. It feels great to be here. I’m glad I did my best,” he said.

FEDERER WAS CELEBRATED BY THOUSANDS OF FANS

Federer was celebrated by thousands of fans chanting his name at his O2 arena in London after hugging and crying with Nadal and other players.

Nadal couldn’t hold back his tears either. The 36-year-old Spaniard sat next to Federer in tears while the two listened to his Goulding songs from British singer Ellie. Ellie Goulding capped off her memorable evening with a performance.  Federer and Nadal – longtime rivals at the top of men’s football – teamed up to play doubles against the pair of Americans Jack Sock and Francis Tiafoe in the annual Europe-Real of the World Teams event.

Federer hadn’t competed in over a year, but the experienced Sock-Tierfoe duo pushed him forward before losing 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 11-9. Team his Worlds opened and he finished the match with a 2:2 tie. Day.

Federer and Nadal (affectionately known as “Fedal”) nearly won. The pair scored his points in the match 9–8 in the final set, but Federer could only swing his back after pushing a forehand into the net.

The loss ended the former world No. 1’s 25-year professional career at 1,750. A game of singles and doubles. “It was a perfect trip. I want to do it all over again,”  Federer said, holding back tears during his speech on the pitch.

FEDERER THROWS LONG-AWAITED RETIREMENT PARTY

Federer’s career has long declined after suffering a knee injury over the past two years that required him three surgeries to overcome the problem. He hasn’t played since losing to Poland’s Hubert Hrkacz in the  Wimbledon quarterfinals last year. Despite being restricted to three of the 11 Grand Slams he’s played in since early 2020, he still hopes to be back in the big tournaments by July.

But after scans yielded even more bad news, Roger Federer announced last week that he was stepping down because “messages in his body have recently come to light.” Federer has spoken about throwing a party to mark his last match, saying he wants the occasion to be fun, not a funeral. As he had hoped, the 17,500-seat arena had a festive atmosphere. Watched by his wife Mirka,  four children, and parents Robert and Lynette, Federer’s every step was greeted with a mix of euphoria and empathy.

The family then joined him on the pitch in a moving celebration, with Federer crying even more tears by his teammates. “We’re all here,  boys and girls. My wife was very supportive. She could have stopped me a  long time ago, but she didn’t,” Federer said. “She kept me going and allowed me to play, which is great – thank you.”

OTHER CELEBRITIES

In addition to celebrities such as Hollywood actor Hugh Grant and Vogue editor Anna Wintour, several tennis legends, including Rod Laver, contributed to the occasion. Current world number one Carlos Alcaraz and Yiga Spheretek tweeted their emotions while watching the match on TV. Federer was only in good enough shape to play doubles due to a knee injury that restricted his movement.

Furthermore, He later joked that he was glad he made it through the match without pulling a  calf or back muscle. “Even though I was with the players, I had family and friends, and I felt like something was going to happen during the game, I didn’t feel so stressed out,” Federer said. “I’m very happy to do it. The match was great. I couldn’t be happier.”

WHAT ROGER FEDERER MEANS TO TENNIS AND HIS FANS

Federer has not only pushed the boundaries of his game and set many records, but he has also become one of the most popular players in tennis. His playing style has been describing as graceful and fluid, like ballet, and has been love by millions of fans around the world. He has a polite and charming personality as well. Federer is beyond tennis. For some, it’s almost beyond the world.

Moreover, Before the game, hundreds of Federer fans were see flocking to the arena in clothing and accessories from his brand. From hats, t-shirts, scarves, banners, and even custom earrings. Similarly, All are decorating in red and white – the national colors of Switzerland – and most are decorated with the hero’s initials, RF.

SEVERAL SWISS FLAGS WERE ALSO HANGING IN THE HALL.

Robert Springer from Poland, a big Roger Federer fan at the O2 arena, called his idol  the “King of Tennis.”

“He’s a quality guy, empathetic, a super athlete, a gentleman, and a good father. Besides, he always makes time for his fans. He’s the only one,” Robert tells BBC Sport.

Furthermore,  Tickets for Friday night’s session had already sold out before Federer announced last week that he would be stepping down after the annual team event.

Initially, they were available for between £40 and £510. Following the news, they were being offering for over £1,000 each on resale platforms. Moreover, The game ended at 00:26 BST and the celebration lasted for about 30 minutes, with few attendees leaving before the end.

“Thank you, guys. You’ve had so many people cheering me on, and the world we’re in here tonight.” “It’s not the end, life goes on. I’m healthy, I’m happy, everything is great, and this is just a moment.”

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