Roger Federer bids adieu: It has been a perfect journey, I would do it all over again
Sep 24, 2022
Swiss maestro Roger Federer termed his glittering career "perfect journey" after he bid adieu to competitive tennis following his last dance at the Laver Cup.
Federer played his last match alongside longtime on-court rival Rafael Nadal in a doubles event at the O2 Arena in London. Representing Team Europe, the duo, often called as 'Fedal', lost to Team World's Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 6(2)-7, 9-11 on Friday (September 23).
The result, however, didn't matter as the occasion was all about the retirement of one of the greatest players who served tennis. And for Federer, it was indeed a wonderful day.
"It's been a perfect journey," Federer said in his on-court interview. "I would do it all over again."
"We will get through this somehow - will we, right? Look, it has been a wonderful day. I told the guys I am happy. I am not sad. So it feels great to be here.
"And, of course, playing with Rafa on the same team and having the guys, everybody here, all the legends, Rocket (Rod Laver), Edberg, Stefan, thank you. I am so happy I made it through and the match was great. I could not be happier. So it has been wonderful."
Plenty of tears followed the match, with Federer hugging Nadal and opponents Sock and Tiafoe. The scenes were full of affection as the crowd clapped for Federer from the stands.
Federer's family, including wife Mirka, four kids and parents, joined the legendary player on the court afterward. Although the match was a bitter-sweet affair, the farewell was nothing short of a fairytale as Federer's teammates and opponents carried him in the air to celebrate his contribution.
The 20-time major singles champion last week announced that he would retire at the three-day Laver Cup. Federer then confirmed that the doubles match alongside Nadal would be his final match.
