London – Roger Federer defined his tennis career as a “wonderful adventure,” despite the fact that he and Rafael Nadal lost their doubles match at the Laver Cup on Saturday morning.
Due to a knee injury, the 20-time Grand Slam champion has not competed since the 2021 Wimbledon quarterfinals, and he announced his retirement this week at the age of 41.
Despite his long spell of enforced inactivity, the Swiss showed flashes of his former slickness in the match against Team World’s Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock at London’s O2 venue.
The two former world number ones, playing with long-time friend and adversary Nadal, took the opening set to the delight of a partisan crowd, but the Americans returned to win 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 11-9.
If you only watch one item today, make it this.
#LaverCup | @rogerfederer picture on Twitter:
The Laver Cup (@LaverCup) is scheduled for September 23, 2022
At the conclusion of the first day of the Ryder Cup-like competition, Team Europe and Team World were tied at 2-2.
“We will get through this, won’t we? Right?” Federer stated with a cracking voice during an emotional farewell on the court following the match.
“I’m pleased, I’m not sad. It feels wonderful to be here, and I liked retying my shoes. Everything was the final instance. The game was fantastic, and I could not be happier. It’s been fantastic.”
‘Thank you’
Federer and Nadal, both 36, have competed in a legendary rivalry for nearly two decades, winning a combined 42 Grand Slam singles titles during a golden age for men’s tennis.
But in a match that began late on Friday night, they were on the same side of the net in a fitting send-off for Federer, who turned professional nearly 25 years ago.
As the Swiss great and Nadal entered the black court wearing blue shirts, white shorts, and white headbands, there was a tremendous roar and a standing ovation.
At the beginning of the match, both doubles teams held service with relative ease, with chants of “Let’s go, Roger!” erupting at 3-3.
The Americans evened the score by easily winning the second set tie-break.
Federer was unable to serve out the match at 9-8 in a tense match tie-break, as Tiafoe and Sock won the next three points to emerge triumphant.
After being overcome with emotion, the Swiss embraced teammate Nadal and waved to the fans.
Federer, who was joined by his parents, wife Mirka, and four children, remarked, “Playing with Rafa on the same side and having the boys, everyone, and all the legends here, thank you.”
He continued, “It does feel like a celebration to me.” “I desired to feel this way at the conclusion, and you’ve delivered, so thank you. It has been an ideal journey, and I would undertake it again.”
Team Europe and Team World unite to honor @rogerfederer during the #LaverCup.
The Laver Cup (@LaverCup) is scheduled for September 24, 2022
Nadal, who was also obviously distraught, stated that he had had to deal with the occasion’s intensity.
The Spaniard stated, “For me, it has been a tremendous honor to be a part of this incredible moment in the history of our sport, and at the same time, to spend so many years doing so many things together.”
When Roger quits the tour, a significant portion of my life will also end.
Team Europe consists of six players, including Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, two of the so-called “Big Four” who have dominated men’s tennis for so many years.
Federer leaves ‘vacuum’
Matteo Berrettini, an Italian, will serve as Federer’s replacement in singles matches this weekend, as the Swiss great has decided not to participate.
Casper Ruud of Norway and Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece have given Europe a 2-0 lead after the first session in London. Europe had won all four previous Laver Cup competitions.
Tsitsipas defeated Diego Schwartzman of Argentina 6-2, 6-1 despite a spectacular on-court protest by a protestor who lit his own arm on fire to protest the usage of private aircraft.
Murray lost a grueling match to Alex de Minaur in the evening session, 5-7, 6-3, 10-7, before all eyes shifted to Federer.
The Swiss is retiring 19 years after winning his maiden Grand Slam championship at Wimbledon.
He departs with a men’s record of eight Wimbledon championships, 103 overall titles, and over $130 million in prize money, all won with a game characterized by a rare beauty and precision.
Nadal (22) and Djokovic (21) have both won more Grand Slam championships than Federer (21), however Team World captain John McEnroe stated that Federer’s retirement will create “a gap that will never be replaced.”