Legendary tennis player Roger Federer recently retired from the sport after serving for almost 24 years. His career came to an end with a loss in Laver Cup in the doubles match vs Team World’s Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. Federer was partnered with Spanish legend and his long-time rival Rafael Nadal in his last game.
As the game ended, Federer’s composure finally broke and he was seen crying. Nadal wept alongside him throughout. Federer hugged his teammates and former rivals numerous times during the ceremony. He thanked his fellow players, friends, family, and wife Mirks for supporting him in his journey. He also had a special message for his wife on whom he said that if she was not there, he would not be the player that he is today.
“I enjoyed tying my shoes one more time … the match was great. I couldn’t be happier. It’s been wonderful. And of course, playing with Rafa on the same team and having the guys – everybody here, all the legends – thank you.”
Federer paid a tearful tribute to his wife, Mirka. “She could have stopped me a long, long time ago, but she didn’t. She kept me going and allowed me to play. It’s amazing. Thank you.”
However, it was the moments between Nadal and Federer that broke the internet. Nadal expressed how difficult the night was for him. He revealed how he entered the court shaking and he struck a double fault on the first point of the match. He said: “When Roger leaves the tour, an important part of my life is leaving too because of all the moments that he has been next or in front me in important moments of my life,” Nadal said. “So I have been emotional to see the family, see all the people. Difficult to describe, but amazing moment.” said Nadal.
Meanwhile, the emotional moments shared by Nadal and Federer during the farewell game have gone insanely viral on social media and have left everyone with teary eyes. Former Indian captain and batting maestro Virat Kohli also took to his social media and wrote a beautiful note. He paid his tribute to the legendary players and expressed how this is the most beautiful sporting picture ever. He wrote:
“Who thought rivals can feel like this towards each other. That’s the beauty of sport. This is the most beautiful sporting picture ever for me. When your companions cry for you, you know why you’ve been able to do with your god given talent. Nothing but respect for these 2. @rogerfederer @rafaelnadal,”
Check out the viral Instagram post:
